Cats and dogs, together with their proud owners, took the spotlight as they flaunted their talents and creative outfits during the “Pet Blessing and Parade Furmosa Fashion Show 2025,” held Saturday afternoon, October 4 at the Sta. Maria Central School Covered Court.
The vibrant and lively activity formed part of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival celebration and was spearheaded by the Office of the City Veterinarian (OCVET) in partnership with various agencies and animal welfare advocates. It underscored the local government’s commitment, led by Mayor Khyner Olaso, to promote animal welfare, compassion and community participation.
The activity kicked off with a solemn pet blessing, setting a heartwarming tone for the festivities that followed, celebrating the joy and companionship pets bring to the owners.
In her message, Vice Mayor Beng Climaco thanked OCVET for spearheading the activity and joined the fun with her own pet, underscoring the value of promoting responsible pet ownership, compassion and love for animals. She lauded the event as a heartwarming reminder of how pets strengthen the bond among families and communities.
For the dog category, the Claws Show recognized winners in several divisions: Woof Award (Ramp Model) – 9, Fashionista I – 25, Fashionista II – 1, Fashionista III – 22, Star Factor – 9 and Darling of the Crowd – 35.
Meanwhile, the Paws Show for cats featured winners in Mewdel Award (Ramp Model) – 5, Fashionista I – 6, Fashionista II – 4 and Darling of the Crowd – 6.
Each top winner for the Claws and Paws Show received P5,000 in cash prize, along with certificates and special token, including pet food and supplies from OCVET and its partnered agencies.
All participating pet owners who did not place as winners were also received special tokens as a gesture of appreciation for their active participation and support of the city’s animal welfare campaign.
The event also honored pet-friendly barangays, with Mampang emerging first place and taking home P20,000, followed by San Roque with P15,000 and Cabatangan with P10,000.
Mampang additionally received a special citation for recording the highest number of animals turned over to the City Pound with 477 animals and earned P5,000, while Guiwan was granted P5,000 for having the highest number of animals vaccinated against rabies.
To cap the celebration, partner agencies selected and presented special recognition awards to standout pets and owners who captured their admiration, granting them certificates, pet supplies and assorted gifts as tokens of appreciation.
The success of this year’s Furmosa Fashion Show was made possible through the strong support and participation of partner stakeholders, including veterinary clinics, pet care companies and food brands such as Nutrichunks-San Miguel PetCare, PILMICO Foods Corporation, Bounty INOZA Feeds, Universal Robina Corporation, Pet One Inc., and other valued sponsors. (Arvin Midel) (photo credits: Roselyn Bunot)