15/10/2026
DEVCOM | 𝗦𝗦𝗣 𝗧𝗼 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗗𝗟𝗦𝗣 𝗖𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗠𝗘𝗢𝗪𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺
Supreme Student Parliament (SSP) of the Dalubhasaan ng Lunsod ng San Pablo (DLSP) will establish DLSP Cat ComMEOWnity Program, a campus cat community program to address the growing population of free-roaming cats and reported bite and scratch incidents while promoting animal welfare and student safety.
The initiative is backed by Academic Council Resolution No. 63, Series of 2026, adopted on September 16, which establishes the DLSP Cat Community Program and identifies the Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) strategy as its primary approach to managing the campus cat population.
Criselle Anne Reyes, SSP Prime Minister, said the initiative was prompted by the continuous increase in the number of cats roaming around campus and reports of students being bitten or scratched.
“Rather than simply removing these cats from the campus, we believe that a more humane, responsible, and sustainable approach is possible,” Reyes shared.
The program is expected to include cat population monitoring, veterinary consultations, vaccination, sterilization, responsible feeding, and information campaigns to educate students and college personnel on proper interactions with campus cats.
Under the Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) strategy, cats will be humanely trapped, assessed by qualified veterinary professionals, neutered, and vaccinated as appropriate before being returned to their familiar territory once they have recovered and are cleared for release. Cats requiring further treatment will receive appropriate veterinary attention before their release is considered.
To facilitate implementation, the SSP is coordinating with relevant college offices and exploring possible assistance from the City Veterinary Office, animal welfare groups, veterinary clinics, and other organizations. The Parliament is also considering a donation drive to help cover veterinary services, supplies, and other essential resources.
Reyes said the program would be rolled out in phases once the necessary coordination, resources, and approvals are secured.
“We intend to roll out the program in phases to ensure that it is properly organized, safe, and sustainable,” she stated.
To evaluate the program’s effectiveness, the SSP plans to monitor changes in the campus cat population, the number of cats vaccinated and sterilized, the animals’ health conditions, and reported bite and scratch incidents. For long-term sustainability, the initiative will initially operate as a committee under the SSP, with plans to establish it as an independent, officially accredited student organization during the next organization accreditation cycle.
SSP is also encouraging students, faculty members, and university personnel to practice responsible behavior around campus cats, follow proper feeding guidelines, and report sick, injured, or potentially aggressive animals to the appropriate authorities rather than attempting to handle them without professional guidance.
Beyond the program’s immediate goals, the SSP hopes to foster a campus culture that values both student safety and animal welfare.
“We hope this initiative will demonstrate that protecting our students and caring for animals do not have to be opposing goals, as long as we approach both with proper planning, cooperation, and commitment,” Reyes said.
While the resolution has been adopted, the program’s rollout will proceed in phases as coordination, resource mobilization, and other implementation requirements are secured.
✒️ Mae Milfer Saulog
📷 Ysabeth Marie Amante
💻 Aliah Carla Manabat, Chester Mackie Mallorca
