Outside the spotlight of the entertainment industry, Jodi Sta. Maria has embraced a cause close to her heart—animal welfare. This year is especially meaningful for her, as she not only launched her much-anticipated YouTube channel but also became the celebrity ambassador for the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).
As the country’s oldest and most respected animal welfare organization, PAWS has spent decades advocating for animal protection and rights.
Jodi’s new role was officially introduced during the recent launch of PAWS’ “Puso Para sa Puspin” (Heart for the Native Cat) campaign. Overjoyed by this opportunity, she expressed her gratitude and passion for the cause, emphasizing the importance of recognizing native Filipino cats—often referred to as “puspin” rather than the outdated and derogatory term “pusakal.”
She stressed the need for kindness and compassion towards these animals, urging people to extend the same love and care they would give to any other pet.
Her involvement with PAWS began with a personal initiative. Wanting to contribute in her own way, she reached out to the organization through social media, inquiring about how she could help. This proactive step eventually led her to visit PAWS, where she met the dedicated individuals working tirelessly for animal rights.
She deeply admired their commitment to being a voice for the voiceless, reinforcing her determination to support the cause and bring awareness to animal welfare issues.
PAWS’ mission extends far beyond rescuing and rehabilitating animals; the organization also provides essential low-cost spay and neuter services to curb pet overpopulation. PAWS plays a crucial role in advocating for animal rights by offering free legal assistance in cases of abuse, ensuring that mistreated animals receive the justice they deserve.
During the campaign launch, Jodi emphasized the importance of spaying and neutering as a key solution to the growing problem of stray cats in communities.
For Jodi, caring for animals is not a newfound passion—it’s something she has quietly championed since 2014. At home, she and her son Thirdy have welcomed several rescued pets into their family, further proving her dedication to the cause.
Through her role as a PAWS ambassador, she hopes to change the perception of native cats and encourage more people to adopt and care for them. As she continues using her influence to promote animal welfare, the “Puso Para sa Puspin” campaign is set to make a lasting impact, ensuring that more animals receive the love and protection they deserve.