In March 2026, U.S. President Donald J. Trump signed the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), prohibiting Department of Defense (DOD) funding for “painful research” on domestic dogs and cats.
The measure, approved through a 77–20 bipartisan vote in the U.S. Senate, marks the first time federal law has explicitly defunded such experiments within the Pentagon.
In the Philippines, existing laws and regulations also restrict the use of dogs, cats, and other animals in scientific testing, providing a framework against cruelty.
I asked six respondents: (1) Tell me something about your pet(s). (2) In what ways have your pet or pets helped you?
Their responses:
The Ilano family (PX, Ssheng, Elia, and Ximone) owns a Shih Tzu named Hope.
(1) “We got him during the pandemic, a time filled with uncertainty and isolation. He became our ray of sunshine and everyday happy pill. Now six years old, Hope carries a story bigger than himself. His name represents comfort and light when everything felt unsure. With his gentle nature, he fills our home with warmth and laughter. He isn’t just a pet; he is a symbol of resilience and love.”
(2) “Hope has helped us beyond companionship. He grounds us on difficult days and turns silence into peace. He has taught us patience, responsibility, and unconditional love. He reminds us to slow down, appreciate simple moments, and choose joy even when life is hard.”
Marissa Z. Burgos, Rajah Tours Director of Operations for the Japanese Division (retired but still handling special projects), has four female mini dachshunds: Twixie, Meiji, Patchi, and Toffee.
(1) “They sleep with us and we call them our babies. We feed them boiled chicken with vegetables cut into small pieces. Meiji is closest to me. Patchi is attached to Chloe, while Twixie sleeps with my niece Sheryl. Toffee sleeps wherever she feels comfortable.”
(2) “Dogs relieve stress. They stay by your side and sense when you are sad. They hug and kiss you. They make me happy.”
Vlogger and dog trainer Rolly Santos of Quezon City owns a golden retriever named Lucy.
(1) “She loves bringing me her toys, offering them like peace tokens.”
(2) “Lucy makes the world feel friendlier. She pushes me to go outside and meet people, leading me into the sunshine each morning. She turns a simple walk into a parade of smiles.”
Maria Alyssa Varsovia, a graduate of Saint Joseph’s College Quezon City and SoFA Design Institute, has huskies named Kobe, Mosshi, and Pochi.
(1) “Pochi is Kobe’s offspring before he was neutered. We got Kobe during the COVID-19 lockdown, followed by Mosshi and Pochi.”
(2) “Dogs teach responsibility and provide companionship.”
Milaflor Mahinan, a retired Manila public schoolteacher, has a cat named Koda and six dogs: Chikito, Kiani, Chu, Mai, Choi, and China.
(1) “Chikito and Kiani are siblings, both 8 years old. Their father was an aspin and their mother a mixed-breed poodle. The others are aspins. I adopted Chu during the pandemic while she was pregnant; she later gave birth to four puppies. My dogs are affectionate but wary of strangers. Koda was given to me in July 2023 when she was still a kitten. She prefers cat food and fish.”
(2) “My dogs guard the house and bark at unusual sounds or ‘kaluskos.’ They help protect us and relieve stress. Koda, though less affectionate, plays with me and helps catch insects and small rats.”
Jojo Broce of San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, has a dog named Russ.
(1) “Russ is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Jack Russell. He is full of energy.”
(2) “He keeps me smiling and relaxed. I feel at peace whenever we are together.”
The Platters Concert in Manila
I recently attended The Golden Sound of The Platters concert at City of Dreams Manila, seated in the SVIP section. Thanks to Ma’am Lalaine of La Visual Corp. for the invitation. I was joined by fellow 2026 Philippines Finest Business Awards and Outstanding Achievers awardees — solar energy leaders Richard and Cynthia Lunas of Solarich Enterprises Corp., and celebrity photographer Jamin Lim.
Formed in Los Angeles in 1952, The Platters rose to international fame with enduring hits that remain staples of American popular music.
Birthday Greetings
Dr. Allen M. Quirit of World Citi Medical Center (March 28); former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (April 5).
