The Realities and Challenges of Guide Dogs

Did you know that International Guide Dog Day is a special day to honor the hard work and dedication of guide dogs who assist individuals with visual disabilities? While guide dogs have a rich history dating back to ancient times and the International Guide Dog Day was started 34 years ago, this special celebration is not widely recognized in the Philippines.

Honestly, I do not have knowledge about the role and importance of guide dog until I watched a video on YouTube more than 10 years ago. Let me provide you with my 5 lists of things to know about guide dogs in the Philippines based on my long years of observation.

1. Guide dogs are not widely recognized in the Philippines:

Unlike in some other countries, guide dogs are not commonly seen or acknowledged in the Philippines. There is limited awareness and understanding of the important role that guide dogs play in assisting individuals with visual and other disabilities.

2. Guide dogs face challenges in the Philippines:

Having guide dogs in the country face unique challenges, including cultural beliefs and perceptions towards dogs. In some areas, dogs are not traditionally kept as pets as they are seen as simply 'bantay' or house guards. There may be misconceptions about their role as service animals. Additionally, there may be limited access to public spaces, transportation, and accommodations for individuals with guide dogs, making it difficult for them to fully participate in society.

3. Guide dogs are lagging in promotion:

Guide dogs and the concept of having them are not commonly recognized in the Philippines. I bet, many Filipinos are not even aware of the term or the idea. While there are real efforts are being made by various organizations to promote the importance of guide dogs, training dogs for fun and display purposes tends to be way more popular in the country.

4. International Guide Dog Day can raise awareness in the Philippines:

International Guide Dog Day presents an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of guide dogs in the country. Through events, campaigns, and educational initiatives, International Guide Dog Day can help dispel misconceptions, promote acceptance, and highlight the incredible skills and abilities of guide dogs. It can also encourage businesses, transportation providers, and public facilities to become more accommodating to individuals with guide dogs.

The younger Filipinos, both the millennials and the Gen Zs, are expected to generate more buzz and interest in International Guide Dog Day. The efforts could definitely lead to greater recognition and appreciation for guide dogs and their invaluable contributions to people with disabilities.

5. We can celebrate International Guide Dog Day in the Philippines too:

Even though International Guide Dog Day may not be widely recognized in the Philippines, you can still celebrate and show appreciation for guide dogs and their handlers. We can share information about guide dogs on social media, educate others about their role and importance, and support organizations that are advocating for their recognition. We can also participate in local events or create your own awareness campaign to promote acceptance and inclusivity for guide dogs in the community.

While International Guide Dog Day may not be widely celebrated in the Philippines, it's time to change that and start recognizing the important role that guide dogs play in assisting individuals with visual and other disabilities. Through awareness, education, and advocacy, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and accessible environment for guide dogs and their handlers in the Philippines.