What a way to PAWS for a weekend breather on campus.
To foster a sense of reconnection between alumni and the University through their shared love for dogs, the UP Diliman Alumni Relations (UPDAR) hosted “Pa(c)k-babalik: UP Diliman Alumni Dog Walk (Pa(c)k-babalik)” in partnership with the UP Friends of Campus Animals (FOCA UP) on Oct. 10 at the University Academic Oval.
UPD alumni spent their Saturday morning to join the pack-walk with the adorable dogs of FOCA UP and Diliman Wellness Animals (DiWA).
Over 100 alumni expressed interest in joining the pack-walk with only a few available slots matching the number of FOCA UP’s emotional support animals (ESAs) and DiWA program’s dogs. The dogs were carefully matched with alumni based on their personalities, as determined through FOCA UP’s questionnaire.
The pack-walk was led by Prof. Khrysta Rara, founder of FOCA UP, along with the ESAs and DiWA dog handlers.
Following the event’s walking route, alumni revisited university’s landmarks and took photos with the FOCA UP’s ESAs and DiWA dogs at the UP Promenade, Palma Hall steps, Quezon Hall, and the Oblation statue.
During the walk, the participants and the dogs delighted in some treats from the sponsors—Dogibeef samplers from Pet One Inc., and dog-shaped and dog-friendly popsicles from Nice&Poppy.
The event concluded in the Orange Zone of the Third Space where Prof. Rara shared the history of UPD animal welfare initiatives.
Pa(c)k-babalik was the second alumni event organized by the UPDAR this year, made possible from the support of the UPD Information Office, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Office of Student Housing, The Third Space, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs, and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development.
Building upon its successful implementation, the UPDAR hopes to organize more and bigger events for UPD alumni in the years to come.