Mazda Philippines recently invited us to join them for a drive out of town, but this wouldn’t be to any fancy resort or spa as would usually be the case; this time we drove to a nearby city, in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan.
Mazda Philippines just partnered with Pawssion Project to help raise awareness and funding for abused and neglected animals. Founded in Bacolod in 2018 by Malou Perez, Pawssion Project is a non-stock, non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of abused and neglected animals.
To date, Malou’s efforts have led to over 2,500 animals rescued, over 1,100 animals rehomed, and over 3,800 animals spayed and neutered. In addition to the Bacolod shelter, Pawssion Project opened a shelter in Bulacan, now home to over 640 rescues.
In support of the effort, Pawssion Project gets a long-term loan of a specially-equipped BT-50 pickup truck that will help in the foundation’s day-to-day operations. This would be a BT-50 3.0L AT 4×2 variant, equipped with an aluminum canopy that will protect cargo. A sliding tray has been added to the cargo bed to assist in the loading and unloading of items such as animal food, medicine, crates, and various supplies.
Inside, deep-dish floor mats add to its ease of cleaning and maintenance, along with waterproof vinyl seat covers. Rear seats have storage compartments underneath, which can be used for emergency food, water, and medicine for rescues that need immediate care.
Mazda Philippines has committed to donating P1,500 from the sale of each BT-50 across all variants from August 2025 onwards to sponsor a rescue on behalf of each new owner, who will also have an opportunity to continue the sponsorship of a rescue, adopt, or donate.
“Mazda Philippines’ partnership with Pawssion Project continues to show that mobility can be purposeful—and that every drive has the power to make a difference,” explains Steven Tan, president of Mazda Philippines. “Malou Perez and her unwavering passion to help all these abused and neglected animals is an inspiration and it is something we recognize.”
The partnership with Pawssion Project underscores Mazda Philippines’ commitment to social responsibility and animal welfare, which started in 2020 with the Katala Foundation – a Palawan-based organization, ensuring the protection of the Philippine Pangolin. The Katala Foundation has long made it its mission to rebuild the Pangolin’s native habitat and establish conservation efforts to create awareness and combat poaching.
