By LIEZLE BASA IÑIGO
CALASIAO, Pangasinan — As torrential rains continue to batter Songkoy, Calasiao, 25-year-old part-time virtual assistant and longtime animal rescuer Marinella Palaganas is appealing for urgent shelter for her 52 rescued pets — 12 dogs and over 40 cats — before rising floodwaters overtake their home.
For seven years, Marinella has devoted her time and personal resources to saving abandoned and neglected animals across Pangasinan. Many of her rescues were victims of abuse, neglect, or were simply dumped in the streets.
Her mother, Maritta Plaganas, shared the emotional toll the crisis has brought on her daughter.
“Naaaburido na anak ko… kung saan nya dadalhin mga alaga nya, baka abutan sila ng baha — lalo na’t walang tigil ang ulan,” Maritta said, visibly worried.
Marinella currently spends nearly P40,000 every month to provide food and care for her animals.
She even took in more cats during the pandemic, when many were left behind. “Mga alaga n’ya ay mga ni-rescue rin n’ya na iniwan at itinatapon sa kalye,” Maritta added. “Ngayon, siya naman ang kailangang iligtas.”
On social media, Marinella posted an urgent plea: “Hello everyone, anyone po na may alam na pwedeng marent na house po — preferably 2-storey — paglagyan ng rescues. Magdidiaper po ang mga dogs, at litter-trained po ang mga cats. 12+ dogs and 40+ cats po. Hindi pa rin po tumitigil ang malakas na ulan.”
As floodwaters continue to rise, Marinella hopes someone in the community can offer a safe, temporary haven for her beloved animals — who, like her, are just trying to survive.
