Jodi Sta. Maria named new PAWS ambassador; calls to adopt more rescued animals

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MANILA, Philippines — Actress Jodi Sta. Maria reiterated her call to the people interested in having pets of their own to prioritze adopting rescued animals.

Jodi was unveiled as the new celebrity ambassador for non-governmental organization (NGO) Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), specifically for cats, as the NGO launched its "Puso Para sa Puspin" campaign.

The campaign focuses on promoting kindness and compassion for "puspins" — homeless or stray Filipino cats — and to raise awareness about the plight of these cats that suffer unadopted on the streets while people purchase or breed pets instead.

It can be recalled back in January 2023, Jodi made headlines after adopting a stray cat she spotted while in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

She named the ginger cat Naia and has since also adopted two puppies, Zandro and Lily.

Related: PAWS launches 'pet friendly' seal for establishments

Jodi will join PAWS in raising awareness about responsible cat ownership and help inspire people to adopt puspins.

Another part of the NGO's campaign is encourage owners and stray feeders to spay-neuter the cats they adore and to propose a TNVR (trap-neuter-vaccinate-return) system instead of reporting strays to pounds.

At a press conference for the campaign, Jodi admitted to having nine puspins.

"Sa kahit na anong bagay, basta minahal mo at inalagaan mo, gumaganda," Jodi said, calling on individuals who aren't fond of animals to leave them be and not hurt them.

RELATED: ‘To each his own’: Michele Gumabao weighs in on ‘adopt, don’t shop’ call for pet owners