Why the PPBCC Foundation Shut Down After Years of Helping Pets

After years of serving pet owners across the Philippines, the Philippine Pet Birth Control Center (PPBCC) Foundation has shut its doors for good. Known for offering free and low-cost spay and neuter services, PPBCC helped nearly 200,000 cats and dogs since its founding in 2017. They also trained future vets and provided free care for animals whose owners couldn’t afford vet bills. I’ve personally brought 10 cats to them for neutering, and every experience was professional, smooth, and affordable.

The heartbreaking decision to close the Foundation came after a surge of online hate, sparked by a viral video accusing the PPBCC Veterinary Hospital of negligence. In the video, a woman cried over the death of her dog, Yhuri, blaming the vet for what happened. The clip quickly spread on Facebook, especially through the account BestDeals.Ph (Stuffs U Want), and triggered thousands of angry comments, death threats, and even harassment of the hospital staff and the founder, Dr. Maricelle “Mace” Licuanan.

Dr. Licuanan told Esquire Philippines in an exclusive interview that she has never turned away a sick animal, even if the owner couldn’t pay. But this recent flood of online hate became too much. The PPBCC Foundation had to shut down because it could no longer continue outreach missions or keep up with expenses due to canceled appointments and the loss of trust caused by the accusations.

What many people didn’t see behind the viral video was the dog’s complicated medical history. Yhuri had severe dental disease and a chronic case of ehrlichiosis, a tick-borne illness that weakens the immune system. Her red blood cell count was dangerously low, and she was already in poor condition when brought in. The vet explained the risks to the owner, who signed a waiver. Still, after Yhuri passed away, the owner made accusations like being denied visitation and being overcharged, claims that Dr. Licuanan says were taken out of context or were inaccurate.

The cost of the procedure, for example, was higher than usual because of Yhuri’s condition and the need for more tests. While a basic dental extraction at PPBCC starts at around ₱12,000, more serious cases require more screenings, just like in human hospitals.

Sadly, after the viral post, trolls and even past clients jumped in with their own accusations, some baseless, others misunderstood. One commenter blamed PPBCC for their cat’s death, which turned out to be due to kidney failure. Another complained about the risks involved in low-cost spaying, though Dr. Licuanan pointed out their mortality rate was just 0.004%.

Dr. Licuanan, a single mom of four boys (two of whom want to be vets themselves), has taken the attacks to heart. Her family has also been targeted with threats. Even though many clients have come to her defense, the pressure has made her question whether to continue.

The closure of the PPBCC Foundation is a huge loss. Their mission was more than just preventing unwanted litters, it was part of the fight against rabies, abuse, and neglect. The group held missions across the country, including a recent one in Bulacan where they neutered 163 pets in a single day. Rabies remains a real threat in the Philippines, and PPBCC played a big role in controlling the pet population to help curb its spread.

Despite the shutdown, the PPBCC Veterinary Hospital still operates, though its future remains uncertain. Their Facebook page was deactivated to avoid more hate, and they now rely solely on calls and text inquiries.

The story of PPBCC isn’t just about one vet clinic, it reflects a growing problem in the Philippines: a rush to judgment fueled by viral posts and online outrage. The emotional weight of this kind of harassment has silenced an organization that helped thousands. And what’s left is a gap in affordable veterinary care and a community of pet lovers wondering where to turn next.

(via Esquire Philippines)