Loboc, Bohol – On May 11, 2024, the Tzu Chi Volunteers and community volunteers gathered at the Barangay Hall in Jimili-an and held the 1st donation drive covering five barangays of the Municipality of Loboc: Oy, Calunasan Norte, Valladolid, Jimili-an, and Villaflor. This activity marked a milestone for the local community in showing their efforts to support charitable causes and foster camaraderie among the residents of the town.
Arsenia Torreon, a resident from Purok 1, Jimili-an, Loboc, expressed her thoughts, “I am willing to donate to help others in need, including those who are more in need than us. I know about Tzu Chi because they are willing to help those in difficulty, especially with their scholarships. I have known about the Tzu Chi Foundation for a long time because they helped us during the earthquake, so now we are also willing to help those in need because it’s our way of giving back.”
“I am glad because our members cooperated. Through these (donations collected), many people can be helped, especially those who are sick can also receive assistance from the Tzu Chi Foundation. I am happy that I signed up to be a volunteer for Tzu Chi because it is one way for me to extend help to the people of Bohol.” Gladys Requerme’s sentiments about the Tzu Chi Foundation being present in their Barangay and her happiness in participating in the donation drive.
This initiative is traced back last March 23, 2024, when a New Year blessing event was held in the municipality of Loboc. This gathering had 828 Loboc residents pledging their support to be donating members and local volunteers of the Tzu Chi Foundation.
The momentum continued when members who signed up during the event, met again on April 18, 2024, to organize the listing of donating members, laying the groundwork for the upcoming donation drive. This preparatory meeting was crucial in ensuring that the donation drive would be well-coordinated and effectively carried out.
The act of unity shown by the members lead to the beginning of a concerted effort to cultivate a culture of giving within the community. By actively participating in Tzu Chi events and activities, community members contribute to addressing the needs and also strengthen the bonds within their locality.
