This Free Dog Walk In UP Diliman Might Just Be The Analog Activity Your Weekend Needs

There was a time when weekends felt exciting simply because they gave us a break from school or work. These days, however, many of us end up spending our free time exactly where we spend the rest of the week: in front of a screen.

Between endless notifications, group chats, deadlines, and endless updates of our social media feeds, it's no surprise that more people are becoming interested in slower, more intentional ways of spending their time (a.k.a. analog living!)

Friends of Campus Animals (FOCA) at the University of the Philippines Diliman is now holding regular Saturday Pack Walks, where participants can spend their morning with some of the campus' beloved Emotional Support Animals (ESAs). It's basically a nature walk, stress reliever, and wholesome dog date, all in one. 🤗

FOCA was founded in 2015 and became one of the first non-profit animal welfare organizations at the university. Over the years, the group has remained committed to caring for campus animals through various initiatives, including TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) programs, pet-friendly fun runs, dog walks, and workshops that support UP Diliman's ESA teams. Their work highlights something many animal lovers already know: caring for animals benefits people, too.

FOCA UP launched its first Saturday Pack Walk on May 2 through a project organized by a Business Management class in UP Diliman. And it definitely looked like a morning well spent. Participants got to walk around campus with the dogs, enjoy the fresh air, and spend a few hours soaking up the sunshine with their new four-legged friends. 🤗

The dogs joining the walks are trained, friendly, and properly leashed throughout the activity. Each participant is also accompanied by FOCA volunteers who can guide you during the walk and share helpful information about responsible pet ownership.

The initiative returned for another run on May 16, and participants were even allowed to bring their own pets along. As long as they're friendly, properly equipped, and comfortable around other animals, they're welcome to join the fun and make new furry friends!

Spending time outdoors, moving your body, and interacting with animals can help ease stress, lift your mood, and provide a much-needed mental reset. So take this as your low-pressure self-care that doesn't involve staring at another screen or taking too much from your allowance and time.

Following the positive response from attendees, FOCA has officially turned the Pack Walk into a regular Saturday activity open to the public.

Many of FOCA UP's Emotional Support Animals were rescued and rehabilitated by volunteers before undergoing training to become comforting companions for the UP community. You can often spot them around residence halls, libraries, study spaces, and college buildings, where they offer a little extra warmth to students navigating exams, deadlines, or simply a rough day. As of FOCA's latest posting, the organization has 18 ESAs of different breeds and sizes—but all equally lovable. 🥰

FOCA releases its registration forms during the week, usually until Thursday before the scheduled walk. The activity runs from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., starting at Kamia Residence Hall and making its way around some of UP Diliman's most iconic spots, including the Academic Oval, Sunken Garden, the Lagoon, and other well-loved corners of the campus.

Participation is completely free, but slots are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. At the moment, FOCA can accommodate around 18 participants per walk to match the number of available ESA dogs, although the number of participating dogs may vary depending on their availability each week. Registration is required, and walk-ins will not be accepted.

As for your checklist, you'll only need to bring water and poop bags for your assigned walking buddy. Spending a morning with these adorable dogs also comes with the responsibility of helping care for them during the walk.

Saturday mornings are looking a lot more furrier! 😉