By Stephanie Tubola

BECEd Gems partnered with Team Rescue Iloilo on October 25, 2025, for their “PAWS IN NEED: Every Paw is a Precious Gem” advocacy, donating essential items and interacting with rescued animals, while formalizing an official partnership to promote animal welfare and support adoption.

The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (BECEd) Gems and Team Rescue Iloilo forged an official partnership to support the latter’s mission of rescuing, protecting, and caring for stray and abandoned animals.  This also aligns with the BECEd Gems’ advocacy to promote animal welfare in celebration of Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month. Their visit to Team Rescue Iloilo’s shelter on October 25, 2025, was made meaningful through the giving of various donated items, like dog and cat foods, shampoos, and pet wipes.

Team Rescue Iloilo is a non-profit rescue group working under the Iloilo City government. Their collective goal includes rescuing stray and abandoned animals, rehabilitating and caring for them until they are healthy again, and once ready, the animals are opened for adoption, giving them a second chance at life and in finding their forever home.

During the visit, the BECEd Gems interacted with rescued dogs and cats, while listening to the stories of volunteers’ journeys during rescue operations and how the shelter works hard to give them a safe and loving home.  The visit concluded with the signing of an official partnership between the two organizations, represented by BECEd Gems Program Chair, Prof.  Maristel D. Decio, and Team Rescue Iloilo Administrator, Ms. Marivic U. Lai.

The BECEd Gems advocacy, PAWS IN NEED, spearheaded by Ms. Stephanie Tubola, aligns with CPU’s commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 15 – Life on Land. The experience affirmed the group’s advocacy in promoting the importance of empathy to all forms of life, designating Team Rescue Iloilo animal shelter as an official annual donation site. In line with their commitment to service and compassion as future educators and advocates of care, the BECED Gems believes that every paw is a precious gem. They hope that through their awareness campaigns and donations, it will open hearts to adoption and support in providing food, shelter, and medical care to our furry friends.

Together, CPU BECED GEMS and Team Rescue Iloilo partnership proves that when hearts unite for a cause, even the smallest pawprint can leave the biggest mark.