TO BETTER prepare for emergencies and calamities, the University of the Philippines started training stray dogs to help in search and rescue operations.

Khrysta Imperial Rara, project manager of Sagip K9 Training, said that the project is part of the university’s preparations for emergencies such as an earthquake.

“This project was conceptualized to help UP campus prepare for the eventuality of an emergency like an earthquake or any natural hazard instead of waiting for help from the outside,” she said.

The program, she added, also aims “to change perspectives and attitudes towards campus animals.”

“All of the dogs performed well. We only have one purebred. A Jack Russell. All the rest are asong Pinoy. They really performed well, especially the short-legged ones kasi their noses are close to the ground,” Rara said.

She said that the dogs were considered “pests” before they were rounded up and enrolled in the training program.

“But now, people can see they have a role in the community. They can be therapy dogs. Now, we have a K9 unit to help during emergencies,” Rara said.