Beyond a purebreed dog registry
In the growing community of purebred dog hobbyists and breeders, the Asian Kennel Club Union of the Philippines, Inc. (AKCUPI) has gone beyond the traditional purebred registering function.
AKCUPI, launched on March 30, 2008, while successfully listing over 8,000 purebred dogs, is earning a reputation as an organization with a social commitment. A few months after its inception, it set aside funds for a free anti-rabies vaccination program in support of the government’s campaign to eradicate rabies by year 2010 with the multi-sectoral implementation of R.A. 9482 (Anti-Rabies bill).
The program was initially launched in May and June last year in the six districts of Manila in cooperation with Vice Mayor Isko Moreno’s Kaagapay Office and the barangay chairmen. Volunteer veterinarians led by Dr. Nathaniel Cheng and the club officers led by its president/CEO Bernie Jalandoni Repalbor came in full force to attend to hundreds of residents with their dogs (some were Aspins or what used to be called Askals) and cats for anti-rabies shots. The areas that were covered by the program were Tondo, Sampaloc, Sta. Cruz, Sta. Mesa, and San Andres.
After its program in Manila, the AKCUPI team conducted its anti-rabies vaccination in the airport police neighborhood in Parañaque where police dogs and other breeds were vaccinated. During the feast of St. Francis who is the patron saint of pets in October, the AKCUPI team participated in another anti-rabies vaccination as part of “Animal Day and Pet Blessing” in Greenhills Shopping parking area and at Tiendesitas. In Taguig, the AKCUPI team was also involved in “World Rabies Day” where it conducted free anti-rabies vaccination among pets.
While future vaccination projects are still under wraps, the club has also focused its attention on meaningful endeavors. One such undertaking was the “Dog Walk for a Cause” last October which was spearheaded by the city government of Antipolo and a group of veterinarians to raise awareness on responsible pet ownership.
Since its launching, the club has been maintaining regular contacts with NGOs with regard to the latter’s animal welfare crusade. The club has reiterated its support to the animal welfare advocacy of the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) led by Nita Hontiveros Lichauco, Compassion and Responsibility to Animals (CARA) headed by Nancy Cu-Unjieng, and the Animal Welfare Coalition (AWC).
The club has also established links with the Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines (VPAP) and Philippine Animal Health Association (PAHA). In the annual convention of the two groups, AKCUPI put up its own booth, enlightened the participants about the new club, and disseminated information materials about the club.
On top of these endeavors that set it apart from its old rival and make a difference in the lives of its fast-growing clientele of purebred dog hobbyists, breeders, handlers, and shooters is its efficient and hassle-free service rendered by a lean yet energetic staff composed of Janet Tubil, Erwin Alegado, Jheck Nadala, and Rommel Aviles as well as its affordable fee, waived membership fee, miscellaneous fee, and other surcharges. The club boasts having in its roster of registrants owners of champions and hall of famers like Palawan Stalwart Ethan, Philippine Hall of Famer owned by Primo Co Sr.; Exemplar’s Boxer Hunk, Philippine Hall of Famer owned by Edgardo Cruz; Cheche of Veron and Exemplar Sam Milby Phi, both Philippine champions owned by Paul Ryan Co; Rolling Green Dapey and Xoltan Von Vierhundert Hertz (Germany), both Philippine champions owned by Fe Lanny Alegado; and St. Joe’s Tiny Angel, Philippine champion owned by Jester Jo Ong Chuan. This number has been bolstered anew with the entry of Henry G. Babiera, the biggest single dog owner in the country with over 700 dogs.
AKCUPI is affiliated with the Taiwan-based Kennel Club Union of Asia (KCUA) with China, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Singapore as the other members.
The People’s Village at Tiendesitas En Frontera Verde on Ortigas Ave. cor. E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave. (C-5) in Pasig City is the official venue of the club’s All Breed Championship Dog Shows starting this month.
