Zamboanga’s Memorial Marker for Kabang the ‘Hero Dog’ Now Stands in the City

While Kabang may have passed on, her legacy continues to inspire Filipinos — and now her memory has a permanent home.

The memorial marker for Kabang in Zamboanga City has been completed and officially installed, serving as the hero dog’s final resting place. The memorial features a solid aluminium statue created by renowned Davao‑based artist Kublai Millan, standing proudly as a tribute to Kabang’s bravery. The project, originally planned years earlier, has now become a landmark where locals and visitors alike can honour her story.

“The modern pedestal bearing the statue pays homage to the humility of aspins in our country,” Kabang The Hero Dog wrote in a Facebook post. “The simplistic shape and form reflect their modest but elegant nature and, at the same time, exhibit stability, as they are the most common dog breed that Filipinos can rely on.”

“The split in the centre displays contemporary elements of the vinta sail that evokes Zamboanga, where Kabang is from. It also represents the pride that the heroism of Kabang brought to the hearts of Filipinos, especially the Zamboangueños.”

Designed by Zamboangueño architect Keith San Antonio, the memorial is the first hero dog memorial in the Philippines, celebrating the courage, loyalty, and significance of the asong Pinoy or aspin, a breed often overlooked despite its presence in Filipino life.

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Who is Kabang the Hero Dog?

Kabang first captured attention in 2011 after she courageously saved her owner’s daughter and niece from an oncoming motorcycle, losing her snout and upper jaw in the process. Her selfless act earned her national and international acclaim.

Supporters from around the world contributed funds for her medical treatment in the United States, where she underwent extensive care. In 2013, she was officially named “Ambassador of Dog Will”, a testament to her bravery and global recognition.

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Kabang passed away peacefully in her sleep on 17 May 2021. Her veterinarian, Dr Anton Lim, shared that he “found her lying motionless near her bed” and honoured her for the eight years of “unconditional love, loyalty, and joy” she brought to the family.

“Thank you for the life lessons and the inspiration you gave to the world. We will miss you. Hope to see you again. Rest in peace Kabang,” Lim wrote.

With the memorial now standing in Zamboanga, Kabang’s story continues to live on. Locals and animal lovers alike can visit the site to pay tribute, and the Kabang Legacy Fund on GoFundMe still accepts donations to support the ongoing advocacy for aspins in the Philippines.

All images credited to Kabang The Hero Dog | Official Facebook Page