𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐜 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐔𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐓𝐳𝐮 𝐂𝐡𝐢 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬

In December 2021, a powerful typhoon named Odette swept across the province of Bohol, causing widespread damage to many towns, including Loboc. Responding to the needs of the affected families, the Tzu Chi Foundation provided each household in Loboc with 20 kilograms of rice and deployed heavy equipment to help clear the flooded areas along the riversides.

Even after the town slowly recovered from the crisis, Tzu Chi continued its assistance in Loboc by donating computers to elementary schools, ensuring educational support for the children, and offering medical aid to those in need.

On March 23, 2024, the Tzu Chi Foundation held its Chinese New Year Blessing event for the people of Loboc. Residents from the said town were gathered together to reflect on the blessings received over the past years.

The Loboc Youth Ambassadors, a group of young individuals dedicated to community engagement and cultural enrichment, took the stage as an opening act of the event and performed several captivating musical pieces.

Tzu Chi Bohol’s Deputy Coordinator, Brother Joven Uy welcomed the audience and stated the event’s purpose, “We are deeply overwhelmed as we gather for the very first Tzu Chi year-end blessing here in Loboc. This event is not only about experiencing the blessings and teachings of Dharma Master Cheng Yen but also about witnessing the growth and changes that have occurred here in Bohol through Tzu Chi’s aid and support. It’s a moment to reflect on the impact of the missions of Tzu Chi has made and the transformations you have been a part of.”

Serving as the highlight of the event is an enticing talk by Tzu Chi Philippines’ Deputy CEO, Brother Michael Siao inspiring the audience to become volunteers and donors of Tzu Chi, “We advocate the Tzu Chi Coin Bank as this implies that even the smallest contribution, whether it’s a centavo or a peso we put inside it, holds a significant value when accumulated. These contributions can benefit to help others beyond oneself. This embodies the essence of sowing seeds of kindness and multiplying the goodness for the betterment of humanity.”

Almost everyone who attended the event expressed their willingness to be donating members of Tzu Chi by adopting the Tzu Chi coin cans. One of those was Piggy Sue Rivera, a resident from Villaflor, Loboc, as she stated, “We, the people of Loboc, are delighted that Tzu Chi has come to our area. We believe that it’s more beneficial to help others than to solely receive assistance ourselves. If we have something to give, why not extend help to others who are in need?”

Further driven by Bro. Michael’s speech, a total of 828 Loboc residents signed up to become donating members and volunteers of Tzu Chi, fortifying their commitment to support the Foundation’s missions.

 

During the event, the participants each received the Tzu Chi red packet, symbolizing blessings, and a reminder to spread love and follow the path of compassion in serving others.

“Tzu Chi Foundation isn’t just present during calamities; they also assist our fellow citizens in need of medical help. Moreover, our youth who aspire to be educated found support through the organization’s scholarship program. I signed up to volunteer and adopted a coin can because I want to be someone who contributes to the welfare of the majority through the Tzu Chi Foundation,” Katherine Odal conveyed, a Sangguniang Bayan member of the Municipality of Loboc.

“Today, we are filled with joy as Master Cheng Yen gave her blessing for us to host this event here in Loboc. We look forward to being able to serve the town even more with the help and support of the newly signed up volunteers,” Bro. James Chua, Tzu Chi Bohol Coordinator said in his closing statement.

With the town of Loboc now being officially an affiliate of the Tzu Chi Foundation, working together to do good deeds and creating blessings shall ensue aiming for the community to flourish in the years to come!