AEP joins the Walk Together for Compassion 2024
Written by Jane B.
Animal Empathy Philippines supported the Walk Together for Compassion 2024 last April 20, 2024 in Altaraza Central Park, City of San Jose Del Monte Bulacan.
With the theme of "Filipino Families Matter, All Pets Matter Too!", this event aimed to raise funds for the second printing of the heartwarming children's book, "Derby, The Abandoned Dog", written by Ms. Lalaine Duano Manaog, a member of the AEP community. The book, once printed, will be distributed for free in Public Elementary Schools across Bulacan, touching the hearts and minds of young readers and instilling empathy towards animals.
Also present in the event were one cat and dogs of different breeds. The event started with a pet blessing ceremony. Ging Geronimo, AEP’s Director for Public Affairs, delivered a short talk about animal empathy and emphasized that empathy and compassion starts at home. She shared that farmed animals like companion animals also long to be heard, seen, and cared for. She also stressed the importance of providing a loving home for companion animals and considering them as treasured family members.
Ging Geronimo (left) with the participants at the Walk Together for Compassion 2024
“I am witnessing the growth of something organic. Perhaps this is the people’s response to the recent injustice that some companion animals like Killua have suffered. There are still several dogs who spend their entire lives on chains and they’re no different from the millions of farmed animals in cages. All of these animals are longing to be free and be part of a pack or a community just like us“, Geronimo said.
The Walk Together for Compassion 2024 was more than just a gathering of animal lovers and their companion animals at the Altaraza Central Park; it was a testament to the power of empathy and community spirit. Attendees came together as one community to show their support to the cause in public and to encourage other Filipinos to have compassion for animals. With funds raised and awareness spread, the journey towards creating a more compassionate society continues, one step at a time.