ASPIN stands for Asong Pinoy, a Tagalog term for mixed-breed dogs that are indigenous in the Philippines.It is high time for true blue Cebuano dogs to have their own moniker in the local language: Bisro (Bisayang Iro), Irobis (Irong Bisaya), or Irobisdak (Iro nga Bisayang Dako). Whichever one prefers, they mean all the same—a dog that is raised in Bisaya-speaking areas like Cebu.The public has been urged to not look away from Aspin or Bisro, Irobis, Irobisdak.For the 12th Asong Pinoy and Local Rabies Awareness that will be held at Plaza Sugbo near Cebu City Hall on July 17, 2022, veterinarian Dr. Jessica Maribojoc of the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) said they will promote Aspin, especially the Irong Bisaya.Maribojoc said these indigenous dogs are capable of showing loyalty to their owners just like pedigree dogs.“Gusto namo i-highlight nga despite nga 100 percent Bisaya sila, same ang mahatag nila nga love sa owner. Ang loyalty same sa pedigree nga dog,” Dr. Maribojoc told reporters in a press conference Friday, July 8.(We would like to highlight that despite their being 100 percent Bisaya, they can give the same love to the owner. Their loyalty is the same as that of a pedigree dog.)For her part, Island Rescue Organization (IRO) president Annalyn Arizpuro said Aspin should be promoted more to the public.ContestsIn the July 17 event, Maribojoc said there will be fun and challenging activities that will showcase the relationship between the pet and the owner.Winners of the contests will receive lifetime veterinary services sponsored by their partners.Maribojoc also encouraged the attendance of cat owners as the DVMF will be giving free anti-rabies vaccination to cats and dogs on the day of the event.Bad pet ownersThe veterinarian also reminded the public that if you one is not a good pet owner, one should not bother to adopt a pet. Bad pet owners, she said, often abandon their pets anywhere or along the streets.As for IRO, Arizpuro said they have more than 160 rescued dogs and 25 cats in their facility.She said aspins are the usual victims of hit and run as they don’t have a dwelling place but the streets.To protect aspins on the streets, IRO has produced stickers “Brake for Animals.” These stickers are attached to private cars and taxis to remind drivers to slow down for animals on the streets.Arizpuro said on July 17, the IRO is open to assist the people on their concerns related to animal welfare or if they would want to file a case against someone who mistreated an animal.She recalled that they were able to file complaints against three animal abusers: a police officer, a foreigner and a seaman.CommitmentArizpuro stressed that having a pet dog is a lifetime commitment, and owners must not abandon their pets if they become ill or develop deformities.With this, Dr. Maribojoc said that the DVMF is working on the realization of welfare desks in police stations in Cebu City to immediately respond to animal abuse reports in thecommunity.The Asong Pinoy Day was first celebrated in 2010 through the Cebu City Government’s initiative.