In July 2022, Ascott Makati created a safe shelter for the community Cats frequenting the property. They built an area in the building’s basement where the local Cats could get daily access to nutritious food and clean water.
The project was done with the guidance of PAWSsion Project, a Philippine-based non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in need.
Animal Scene asked Somerset Millennium Makati Operations Manager and Executive Officer Lawrence Diego to tell us more.
Animal Scene: Why did you start this project?
Lawrence Diego: The collaboration with PAWSsion Project began as part of The Ascott Limited – Philippines’ Learning and Development Strategic Planning 2022, in line with our Corporate Social Responsibility and one of our brands’ (Somerset) brand pillars: family-friendly — including [animal companions]. There are a number of non- profit organizations that focus on animal rescues available; however, I usually reach out to organizations that I think need more support.
On May 18, 2022, I inquired [with] PAWSsion Project if they are open for collaboration and partnership, and asked how our associates may be able to volunteer or even adopt rescued animals, in which they promptly accommodated my inquiry.
Prior to meeting with PAWSsion Project, I spoke with Ms. Cecille Teodoro, General Manager of Ascott Makati and Somerset Millennium Makati, and discussed how we can better manage the increasing number of community Cats in Ascott Makati’s parking (Basement 3 of Glorietta 4).
Cats started showing up in the basement during the height of the pandemic. I informed her how timely our discussion was since we have just communicated with PAWSsion Project, and they might be able to assist us.
AS: Why the basement?
LD: On June 7, we met with Malou and Mikee of PAWSsion Project. We discussed how we could manage the increasing number of Cats in Ascott Makati’s parking.
PAWSsion Project team enlightened us about how we could live harmoniously with the Cats in the basement. They guided us all throughout
the process of planning and implementation, at the same time working hand-in-hand with CARA Welfare Philippines (CARA). CARA assisted us with the neutering and spaying of the Cats.
Since [the Cats thought of the basement parking as their home], we were advised by PAWSsion Project to set up a cattery. The Cats would also protect the area against rodents.
We started conceptualizing the cattery by creating a team consisting of representatives from our Executive Office, Engineering, Security, Marketing, and Human Resources Departments.
AS: What challenges did you encounter?
LD: The only struggle we had was [deciding on] the right location to put up the cattery. Upon further assessment, with the guidance of PAWSsion Project, we decided to set it up where it is now. We just have to ensure that there are proper signages in place to ensure safety of the Cats.
We built the cattery using scrap materials from our Engineering Department as part of our sustainability initiatives. The cattery was painted with the assistance of our colleagues as part of our employee engagement. The paints we used were also excess from the other painting works we had.
We opened The Cattery in Ascott on July 27 as part of our Ascott Moments Week themed Sustainability, A Way of Life.
AS: How do you keep the Cattery running?
LD: The regular cleaning of The Cattery, including the litter box located behind it, is delegated to the Housekeeping Department, while the scheduled feeding is assigned to our Security Team.
The Cattery has an opening on the side so that the Cats could freely come in and go out as they pleased.
The light inside does not heat up and will not harm the Cats in any way. We also have proper ventilation in place in the basement.
As mentioned, we have PAWSsion Project and CARA guiding us every step of the way and during the continuous process of improving The Cattery in Ascott — including the signages and guidelines.
By the way, we are also open for food and cat sand donations.
Want to pitch in? The Cattery in Ascott is open for food and litter sand donations!
AS: Why do you currently house only 10 cats?
LD: We currently have 10 Cats, but we discovered that there is another group of Cats in a far corner of our basement parking. We are eyeing to set up another cattery there as they do not want to visit the other cattery.
We have temporarily set up a feeding station for the other group of Cats. Cats are very territorial; adding new Cats might not be a good idea.
AS: Do you also sponsor their veterinary care?
LD: Yes, and we are also open for collaboration with Veterinarians or clinics who would like to join us in this project.
Want to collaborate? If you’re a vet or you’re affiliated with a clinic, you can contact The Cattery in Ascott to help provide care for the community Cats.
AS: How did the public take it?
LD: We have received tons of love from the public! It’s heartwarming to know that some of them are even reaching out, asking how they can send in donations.
AS: Do you have other The Cattery projects?
LD: We plan to do it in all our Philippine properties that have community Cats in the area.
AS: Any other animal-related projects?
LD: We are planning an exciting event together with PAWSsion Project later this year. We’re also launching Furry Friends as our Somerset-specific campaign geared towards strengthening our stance as being animal-friendly.
We are also happy to let everyone know that the majority of our Philippine properties are [animal-friendly]. For more information, they may visit www.discoverasr.com.
