Loon, Bohol — As part of the opening activities of the Tzu Chi Bohol Youth Camp held on July 11, 2025, in Tontonan, Loon, Bohol, Tzu Chi commissioner Sister Jacqueline Grace Ong led an engaging session titled “Love and Compassion for a Greener Planet.” The session aimed to educate young participants on the importance of vegetarianism, compassion, and environmental care, echoing the teachings of Dharma Master Cheng Yen and the late Bro. Michael Siao.
To begin the session, Sr. Jacq guided the youth campers through a series of nature-inspired stretches representing the four elements: mountain, tree, water, and sun. These poses symbolized humanity’s deep connection with the Earth and the values of grounding, resilience, flow, and hope. Sister Jacqueline also shared her 13-year journey as a vegetarian, which began with the influence of Bro. Mike. She recalled his words: “Eating meat is killing animals twice, once when slaughtered and again when cooked.” This message, she explained, helped her understand that choosing plant-based food nurtures both the body and compassion.
In her talk, Sr. Jacq emphasized that environmental harm often begins within, caused by the “Five Poisons” of the mind: Greed, Anger, Ignorance, Doubt, and Arrogance. She encouraged the youth to overcome these traits and live mindfully.
Youth camper Hanna Marie Sale, a nursing student from Holy Name University, shared that she is now slowly shifting toward a vegetarian diet.
Another camper, Sigmund Joseph Quilicot, an agricultural engineering student from Bohol Island State University-Bilar, expressed his intent to practice the 3Rs—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and adopt a lacto-ovo vegetarian lifestyle.
The session ended with a powerful reminder that living with compassion extends beyond people to animals and nature. Sister Jacqueline urged the youth to act not just for the planet, but for their well-being, because “we are not just living in the world; we are part of it.”
