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Mazda Philippines partners with Pawssion Project to promote animal welfare

A combined effort to make a change for neglected and abused animals.

Jerome Tresvalles
Mazda X Pawssion Project

Remember the partnership between Mazda Philippines and Pawssion Project that we teased earlier in July? Now we can divulge the full details of what this partnership entails. The partnership is all about raising funds to support the basic needs and rehabilitation of rescued animals, lending a helping hand to abused and neglected animals that cannot speak for themselves. 

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Pawssion Project is a non-profit group that focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in need. It was founded in 2018 by Malou Perez in Bacolod, and what started as a small act of compassion has grown into a powerful movement. Since then, they’ve rescued over 2,500 animals, found new homes for more than 1,100, and spayed or neutered over 3,800. Today, they run two shelters—one in Bacolod and another in Bulacan—where more than 640 rescues currently reside.

Mazda X Pawssion Project Inline 1

However, compassion and empathy aren’t the only things a shelter needs to care for so many animals; they also need funding.  In support of Malou’s lifelong passion for animal welfare, Mazda Philippines is pledging to donate P1,500 from the sale of every new Mazda BT-50, across all variants, starting August 2025. Each purchase will help sponsor one rescued animal, with the donation made on behalf of the buyer. But that’s not all, new BT-50 owners will also receive a certificate with the option to adopt, donate, or continue supporting their sponsored rescue.

Mazda Philippines is also stepping up by providing a special, purpose-built BT-50 pickup truck to help with Pawssion Project’s day-to-day work. Designed in collaboration with Malou herself, this one-of-a-kind BT-50 is based on the 3.0L AT 4x2 variant and features a unique livery created by local artist Jaykee Evangelista to help raise awareness for Pawssion Project’s mission.

Mazda X Pawssion Project Inline 3

With its one-ton payload capacity, the truck is fitted with an aluminum canopy to safely store and transport supplies like pet food, medicine, crates, and other essentials. A sliding tray in the cargo bed makes it super convenient for volunteers to load and unload items. And thanks to the BT-50’s tailgate assist, opening the tailgate is a breeze.

Inside, the truck is built for tough jobs and easy cleanups. It comes with heavy-duty, all-weather deep-dish floor mats and waterproof vinyl seat covers, perfect for whatever the rescue life throws its way. The BT-50’s seats are fitted with taped stitching, a technique usually used in motorcycle seats to make them waterproof. That means they’re easy to clean and perfect for messy rescue missions. Tucked under the rear seats are handy storage compartments stocked with emergency food, water, and medicine for animals that need urgent care.

Mazda X Pawssion Project Inline 2

Under the hood, the BT-50 is powered by a reliable 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine providing solid performance, great fuel efficiency, and proven toughness. The rugged high-tensile steel frame adds strength, while the raised suspension gives it generous ground clearance and the ability to wade through water up to 800 mm deep. To top it off, a 360-degree camera and rear parking sensors make navigating tight city streets and crowded spaces a whole lot easier.

“Mazda Philippines’ partnership with Pawssion Project continues to show that mobility can be purposeful—and that every drive has the power to make a difference. Malou Perez and her unwavering passion to help all these abused and neglected animals is an inspiration, and it is something we recognize.”
Steven Tan
President, Mazda Philippines
Mazda X Pawssion Project Inline 4

Mazda’s dedication to social responsibility and animal welfare goes back to 2020, when it first partnered with the Katala Foundation, a Palawan-based group working to protect the endangered Philippine Pangolin (Manis culionensis). Since then, the foundation has been focused on restoring the pangolin’s natural habitat, raising awareness, and fighting against illegal poaching to help keep this unique species safe for future generations.

If you’re in the market for a new pickup truck, the Mazda BT-50 already stands out with its rugged build and powerful engine. Aside from getting a capable truck, you’re also supporting a meaningful cause with your purchase. Check it out on AutoDeal.com.ph.

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