From the quiet innocence of a five-year-old girl learning compassion from her grandfather, to leading a pioneering social enterprise, Ms. Rina Ortiz's journey with animals is one of unwavering dedication. It began simply, yet profoundly. "When I was five years old, my lolo brought me to a place in his village where he lived and we picked up a dog," Ortiz shared in an interview with Vogue Philippines, recalling her very first rescue, an initiation that would shape a lifetime. From that moment, a deep-seated passion ignited, fostering a lifelong commitment to the welfare of every animal in need.
While life's responsibilities called for a professional path, Rina's heart never truly strayed from her calling. She continued her rescue efforts on a smaller scale, always nurturing that innate desire to protect the vulnerable. It was during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, a period of deep reflection, that her life's true purpose became undeniable. With the encouragement of her husband, Rina made the courageous decision to dedicate herself full-time to animal welfare, recognizing the immense need that persisted.
The Biyaya Way: A Holistic Approach to Compassion for All
This pivotal moment led to the establishment of Biyaya Animal Care Group, a pioneering mission-driven social enterprise for companion animals in the Philippines. Biyaya Animal Care Group isn't just a rescue organization; it's a comprehensive ecosystem built on the conviction that every animal, whether found on the streets or cherished at home, deserves the same love, care, and chance at life.
Under Ms. Ortiz's visionary leadership, Biyaya Animal Care Group encompasses several vital arms, all working in harmony to support both rescued animals and beloved family pets:
The remarkable commitment at the heart of Biyaya Animal Care Group is that 100% of the proceeds generated from Biyaya Animal Care, Pawshoppe by Biyaya, and soon Biyaya Pet Essentials directly fund the life-saving work of Biyaya Animal Sanctuary. This transparent model ensures that every visit, every purchase, every act of support directly translates into tangible care, providing shelter, food, and medical attention for hundreds of rescued animals.
More Than Rescues: Cultivating Kindness and Profound Impact
For Ms. Ortiz, the impact of Biyaya extends far beyond the animals themselves. She believes that animals are powerful teachers of humanity, capable of inspiring profound personal growth. "Animals can educate you and give you the courage to be kind, because animals never betray," she shared with Vogue Philippines. This profound insight underscores Biyaya’s broader mission to foster a more compassionate community, where responsible pet ownership and empathy for all living beings are paramount. The same dedication and tender care Biyaya extends to the most neglected animals is precisely what it also brings to every consultation, every groom, and every interaction with your cherished family pets.
Ms. Rina Ortiz is more than a rescuer, she is a beacon of hope, demonstrating that a lifelong passion, combined with strategic compassionate vision, can create a powerful force for good for all animals.
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