Not even a light drizzle could dampen the spirits of those who came to celebrate with the UP-Metro Manila Development Authority-UP Vanguard, Inc. K9 Corps (UPMV K9) as they turn seven this year.
Guests and well-wishers took part in BARKada Festival, a whole-day celebration featuring pet vaccinations, a blood donation drive, and lectures on pet care and disaster preparedness.
Among the day’s major events was Bite Back Against Rabies, a free anti-rabies vaccination program for pre-registered pets sponsored by the Philippine Coast Guard Veterinary Service.
The UP Vanguard Inc.-Makati Chapter (UPVMC) held a blood donation drive under their annual Luntian at Pula outreach program. The UPVMC is also one of the festival’s major sponsors.
Also featured were pocket lectures from advocacy partners Animal Kingdom Foundation, the PAWssion project, Team Rescue 8, Inc., and Technical Rescue Assistance Unit & Medical Aid (TRAUMA), and the 105th Coast Guard Auxillary Squadron.
BARKada Festival is the culmination of a four-day extravaganza that began with Paws and Preparedness, a safety seminar for owners on how to keep themselves and their pets safe during emergencies.
This was followed by the two-day obedience workshop Sit Happens! BARKada 2-Day Dog Obedience Workshop.
The theme of the anniversary celebrations was Aso ni Juan, Para sa Bayan: Getting Ready for the Big One, presents BARK-kada! A celebration of partnership in Disaster Preparedness.
According to UPMV K9 President Elah Tendero, the festival highlight the UPMV K9’s mission to teach pets and handlers as well as the larger UP community on how to be prepared in times of disaster.
“We ourselves should always be self-sufficient in times of disaster. And we hope that this program mas marami kayong matutunan,” she said.
BARKada Festival was held on Oct. 6.