Pawssion Project, an organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of abused and neglected animals, is getting a helping hand in the form of a specially-equipped Mazda BT-50 pickup truck that will help in the foundation’s day-to-day operations.

Mazda Philippines partnered with Pawssion Project to give a voice and a hand to the voiceless — abused and neglected animals. The partnership aims to raise funding to help cover the basic needs and rehabilitation of rescued animals, on top of a long-term loan vehicle.

Pawssion Project is a non-stock, non-profit organization founded in 2018 by Malou Perez in Bacolod City. Her story is one of hope, courage, and passion, that has now become a movement. It led to over 2,500 animals rescued, over 1,100 animals rehomed, and over 3,800 animals spayed and neutered. Currently, Pawssion Project also runs two shelters, one in Bacolod and another in Bulacan, that are home to over 640 rescues.

Recognizing Malou’s life-long passion, Mazda Philippines is donating ₱1,500 from the sale of each new Mazda BT-50 across all variants from August 2025 onwards to sponsor a rescue on behalf of each buyer. BT-50 buyers will also be given the opportunity to adopt, donate, or continue the sponsorship of a rescue through a certificate that comes with the purchase of each Mazda BT-50.

Mazda Philippines is also lending out a purpose-built BT-50 pickup truck, designed and built in collaboration with Malou, which will be used in the day-to-day operations of Pawssion Project.

Based on the new BT-50 3.0L AT 4x2, the Mazda Philippines x Pawssion Project BT-50 features livery designed by local artist Jaykee Evangelista to help raise awareness about Pawssion Project and its cause.

The BT-50’s one-ton payload capacity will be put to good use with an aluminum canopy that will protect cargo such as animal food, medicine, crates, and various donations and supplies from the elements, and keep them safe and secure.

Inside, a cargo bed sliding tray has been added, making it easier for Pawssion Project volunteers to load and unload various cargo without entering the enclosed cargo bed. And, with its standard tailgate assist feature, opening the tailgate requires almost no effort.

Already easy-to-clean and maintain thanks to its tough and durable all-weather deep-dish floor mats, the Pawssion Project BT-50 also comes with waterproof vinyl seat covers. Featuring taped stitching — a process applied to motorcycle seats to make them waterproof — it ensures that the seats are easily cleaned and maintained. Underneath the rear seats are storage compartments for emergency food, water, and medicine for rescues that need immediate care.

Further emphasizing itself as an enabler for Pawssion Project’s mission, the BT-50 comes with a long list of standard features. The 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine delivers usable performance with superb fuel economy and tried-and-tested reliability. Meanwhile, the high-tensile frame makes the BT-50 stronger, while the high-riding suspension provides ample ground clearance and 800mm of water wading capability. A new 360-degree camera and rear parking sensors also make it easier to maneuver the BT-50 around tight city streets and urban confines.

“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,” explains Steven Tan, president of Mazda Philippines. “Malou Perez and her unwavering passion to help all these abused and neglected animals is an inspiration, and it is something we recognize.”

The partnership with Pawssion Project underscores Mazda Philippines’ commitment to social responsibility and animal welfare, which started in 2020 with the Katala Foundation, a Palawan-based organization ensuring the protection of the Philippine Pangolin (Manis culionensis). The Katala Foundation has long made it its mission to rebuild the Pangolin’s native habitat and establish conservation efforts to create awareness and combat poaching.

Those who are interested to learn more about how to adopt, sponsor, donate, volunteer, or advocate may visit www.pawssionproject.org.ph, and follow Pawssion Project on Facebook and @pawssionproject on Instagram, X, YouTube, and TikTok.