Why do Filipinos love dogs?

Sixty-seven percent of the Philippines' population has a pet dog, the highest rate of dog ownership in Asia.

According to Oscar Oida's "24 Oras" report, Thursday, a study from the Rakuten Insight found that there is no stopping the Philippines when it comes to being dog lovers.

There were 10.8 million dogs in the Philippines last 2020 and it increased to 40% during the pandemic.

Pet Ownership in Asia said among the reasons why Pinoys care for dogs is to lessen stress, to have a companion, and to feel secure.

Meanwhile, Animal Kingdom Foundation program director Atty. Heidi Marquez Caguia said that it is common for Filipinos to feel attached to dogs.

"Napakaraming factors kung bakit nagkakaro'n tayo ng attachment sa mga aso, sa pusa, or sa kahit anong mga pets. Unang-una, ang tinatawag nating companionship," she said.

"May mga aso diyan na ginagawang bantay. S'yempre 'yung mga uso ngayon, naging fashion trend na rin po ang pet ownership," she added.

Among those who prove just how much love Filipinos have for dogs is Ernesto Infante, who never thought of leaving his dog even though they don't have much to eat anymore.

"Gabay sa aking buhay 'tong (aso) eh. Kung anong pagkain ko, pagkain din niya," he said.

As the number of pet owners increase in the Philippines, the Animal Kingdom Foundation reminded that caring for animals comes with a huge responsibility.

"Responsible pet ownership requires an individual to have that capacity not just to love but to support the animal, to give it proper food, proper shelter, medication," Caguia said.

—Franchesca Viernes/MGP, GMA Integrated News