Inspired by his late Aspin, GrabFood rider Benj Paz saves customer tips and spare change to purchase food for stray cats and dogs he comes across while making deliveries around Metro Manila and nearby Rizal.
Paz keeps the money in plastic bottles inside his motorcycle compartment. He said he sometimes saves ₱50 to ₱100. When the amount falls short, he adds his own money so he can still buy pet food.
“Minsan nakakaipon ako ng P50, minsan umaabot ng P100. Pag kulang, inaabonohan ko na lang para makabili ng dog food kahit isang kilo lang,” Paz said.
Before starting work, he brings food for cats and dogs in his motorcycle. His routes include Marikina, Quezon City, Pasig, Cainta and parts of Antipolo. When he has no active booking and sees a hungry animal, he sometimes stops to feed it.
Paz said some feeding stops have involved as much as four kilos of food for dogs that appeared extremely hungry and thirsty.
His effort grew after he lost his aspin, Echo. Paz said the stray animals he encounters remind him of his former pet.
“Naalala ko yung aso ko sa kanila,” he said.
Paz lives in Marikina with his wife and two young children. Before working full time as a delivery rider, he worked as a waiter and barista. He later chose delivery work because it offered greater flexibility and earning opportunities.
His feeding efforts have since drawn support from customers who have given pet food and other supplies. Grab has also provided supplies to help him feed more stray animals.
Paz said he hopes to establish a small shelter someday for stray cats and dogs.
“Kahit papano, may mapakain lang ako sa mga stray dogs and cats,”
