$0 raised$45,000 goal
My Story
For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of creating a place where animals could be free — a space filled with love, safety, and belonging.
That dream came full circle when I returned to the Philippines last year (after 25 years)!
While traveling along a mountain road in Davao, I heard the sound of a car hitting a stray dog — followed by a cry that pierced my soul. Everything stopped. I cried, I questioned, I felt misunderstood. I wondered why no one else felt what I felt.
That single moment changed me forever. It opened my eyes to the deep suffering so many animals in the Philippines face — lives forgotten, pain unseen, compassion missing where it’s needed most.
That was my calling.
That night, I went home researching how to start a nonprofit. It felt impossible at first — too big, too heavy, too much for one person. I remember thinking, “Who am I to take on something so big?”
But love has a way of guiding us toward what’s meant for us.
And now, a year later, I’ve taken the leap. I made the decision to fully dedicate myself to this work and founded Barkada Paws Project — a heart-led nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals in the Philippines, while building a compassionate community for both animals and humans.
Shaped in my lifelong bond with animals and my experience as a veterinary technician, this project grew from more than passion — it grew from a journey of healing and coming home to self. Through reconnecting with nature and my Filipino heritage, I realized that every path I had taken — in work, in life, and in spirit — had quietly led me here. What once felt like separate callings now come together as one purpose: to nurture, to heal, and to honor the sacred connection between all living beings.
Please note: Any optional tip added at checkout supports the GoodWorld platform and helps keep it free for nonprofits! Tips do not go directly to Barkada Paws Project.
Our Mission
Rescue. Heal. Belong.
Barkada Paws Project is dedicated to freeing animals from suffering and creating a future where animals can experience safety, care, healing, and belonging.
We work toward this mission by supporting trusted animal welfare partners in the Philippines, expanding access to preventive veterinary care, and building compassionate communities that recognize the connection between animal, human, and environmental well-being.
Our long-term vision is to create a sustainable animal sanctuary in Davao, Philippines — a place where:
- Rescued animals can heal, play, and live safely
- Local caretakers can find meaningful work and purpose
- The land is honored and restored through eco-conscious design
- Animals, people, and the environment can thrive together
Rescue. Heal. Belong. is the future we're working toward — one animal, one community, and one act of compassion at a time.
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Top Donors
Give Love, Save Lives
We’re raising $45,000 to build a strong foundation for Barkada Paws Project — supporting our programs, partnerships, community initiatives, operational needs, and the capacity required to grow this mission sustainably.
And we’re already putting this mission into action.
In our first year, we’ve supported more than 120 animals in the Philippines, helping provide care, safety, and second chances through trusted animal welfare partners. Here in our local community, we also stay involved through shelters, schools, community events, and animal advocacy.
Now, we’re working toward our next chapter: expanding access to preventive veterinary care in the Philippines. Through the Barkada Access to Care Initiative, we’re exploring opportunities to support spay/neuter services and other preventive care in partnership with local veterinary and community resources.
Every step we take today helps animals now while building toward our long-term vision: a sustainable Barkada Paws Project sanctuary in Davao, Philippines.
Your support helps us keep showing up, growing responsibly, and turning this vision into lasting impact.
Why Your Heart Matters Here
Barkada means “chosen family” — and that’s exactly what we’re building.
What we’re building is more than a fundraiser — it’s the beginning of a heart-forward movement. It’s choosing love when it’s easier to look away, showing up for the voiceless, and remembering that softness can still transform the world.
A community that chooses to show up for animals, even when they aren’t our own. A community that believes compassion can cross cities, countries, and oceans.
Every donation, share, partnership, and person who joins us makes this work possible.
You don’t have to save every animal to change an animal’s world. You just have to be willing to be part of their Barkada.
Another Way to Support Barkada Paws Project
Be Their Barkada! Sponsor an Animal in the Philippines for 1 Month — $30
Your $30 gift helps provide one rescued dog or cat in the Philippines with care, safety, and support for an entire month through our trusted rescue partners.
This sponsorship helps cover food, shelter needs, basic care, and ongoing rescue support while also helping Barkada Paws Project build a sustainable foundation for our long-term mission.
Every sponsorship is a reminder that love can reach across the world — one animal at a time. 🐾
We Saved You a Spot in Our Barkada
If this vision speaks to your heart, I invite you to join our barkada — a growing movement of humans and animals creating a kinder, more connected world.
You can:
💜 Donate — every gift, no matter the size, helps us build hope.
📣 Share this campaign — spread compassion by telling our story.
🐾 Lead with love — even the smallest act makes a difference! Here’s how you can take small, meaningful steps in your own community:
- Keep a dog rescue kit in your car (leash, treats, water, towel, and contacts for local vets or shelters)
- Set out a bowl of clean water for strays or community animals during hot days
- Support local rescues or fosters — small donations or supplies make a difference
- Educate gently — inspire friends and neighbors to show care for animals and the Earth.
- Speak up for the voiceless — report neglect, encourage adoption, and lead with empathy
We raise the vibration of the Earth every time we choose love — thank you for believing in me and this dream. 🌏
— Robyn Vo, Founder, Barkada Paws Project
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Please note: Any optional tip added at checkout supports the GoodWorld platform and helps keep it free for nonprofits! Tips do not go directly to Barkada Paws Project.
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A Note About Our Current Services
Barkada Paws Project is currently a growing nonprofit focused on supporting animal welfare, expanding access to preventive care, and building community through advocacy and education.
At this time, we do not operate a shelter, accept surrendered animals, perform local rescues, facilitate adoptions or rehoming, or provide emergency veterinary care, pet-sitting, housing assistance, or pest-control services.
Barkada Paws Project is a California nonprofit public benefit corporation recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.