IN A bid to curb animal cruelty in its campus, the University of the Philippines Visayas will launch an Animal Care Program next month.

Through its Ugnayan ng Pahinungod/Oblation Corps, the program aims to lessen the stray animal population in the campuses and transform UPV into a humane university.

It will offer a range of services, including vaccination and spaying/neutering procedures for cats and dogs.

The initiative was proposed by UP/OC and was made possible through the help of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development and the Campus Development and Maintenance Office.

UPV said that preparations for the ACP launch have been underway for some time.

It added that the UP/OC held a meeting last year with the UP Diliman Balay Kaibigan Welfare Program to discuss the initial implementation of the program.

“A consultation with student dormers was conducted with Chancellor Clement Camposano, to discuss students’ involvement in the UPV ACP,” it said.

“The UP/OC also met with Mr. Gilbert Lanwang of the UP Los Baños Ugnayan ng Pahinungod, the Iloilo Provincial Veterinary Office, Miagao Municipal Government and the Search and Rescue K9 Philippines to explore possible partnerships, specifically on the volunteering opportunities for raising awareness on animal care and welfare, emotional support animals, and management of stray animal population,” it added.