Loon, Bohol — In a world often focused on challenges, some events remind us of the profound impact of kindness. On July 13, 2025, the Tzu Chi Bohol Scholars Awarding Ceremony brought together a community committed to building a brighter future. Made possible by the Tzu Chi Educational Assistance Program, the 11th annual ceremony celebrated the academic triumphs of 314 scholars under the inspiring theme, “Seeds of Kindness, Blossoms of Achievement.” The event was held at the Carmelite Sisters of Sta. Teresa Avila in Tontonan, Loon, Bohol.
The covered court was filled with gratitude and pride as the event began. Brother Joven Uy, Tzu Chi Bohol Deputy Coordinator, took the stage to remind everyone of the organization’s humble beginnings in the province. “We awarded our first scholars back in 2014, after the earthquake,” he said, “in the very schools we helped rebuild using temporary classrooms from Taiwan.” His words highlighted the deep, lasting connection between Tzu Chi volunteers and the people of Bohol, a bond that has grown stronger over ten years of continuous support.
As the ceremony unfolded, Brother Mulric Sarmiento, a training volunteer from Cebu, who assists in facilitating the educational assistance program of Tzu Chi, presented the 314 Tzu Chi scholars, recognizing their diverse academic journeys. They were composed of 58 second-year, 112 third-year, 118 fourth-year, 4 fifth-year, and 22 graduate students, with 4 graduates receiving Latin Honors.
With warm smiles, Taiwan volunteers prepare to hand over the certificates to the awaiting scholars.
After presenting the certificates, commissioners from Taiwan warmly hugged the scholars.
Tzu Chi scholars proudly hold their certificates handed to them by Taiwan volunteers.
Each name called was a story of hard work, hope, and resilience. Graduates, in particular, received special recognition, with certificates of excellence and heartfelt congratulations and warm hugs from commissioners from Taiwan, Bohol, Cebu, and Manila.
Sister Michelle Siao serves as translator to help Taiwan volunteers understand Brother Jack’s message.
The event was more than just an awards distribution; it was a masterclass in inspiration. Brother Jack Gaisano, Head of the Tzu Chi Bohol Education Committee, delivered an inspirational talk, expressing his wish for the support to grow “tenfold,” a vision of a future where the venue would be overflowing with beneficiaries. He ended with a deeply personal tribute, acknowledging a late fellow volunteer, Bro. Michael Siao, whom he believed was “watching us in the form of a butterfly.”
Tzu Chi graduate scholars perform a heartfelt sign language presentation to express their gratitude to the Taiwan volunteers and the Tzu Chi Foundation.
Tzu Chi graduate scholars perform a heartfelt sign language presentation to express their gratitude to the Taiwan volunteers and the Tzu Chi Foundation.
Tzu Chi graduate scholars perform a heartfelt vow sign language presentation.
With pride, Tzu Chi graduate scholars hold their certificates alongside the committed commissioners from Taiwan who have given them the gift of education and a hopeful future.
The scholars themselves became the heart of the ceremony. Nine graduates performed a moving sign language presentation, a silent yet powerful expression of gratitude. Their gestures were followed by two of their peers, who shared their journeys: Joseph Aris Beldoro, a BS Biology Cum Laude from Holy Name University, and Donna Marie Podpod, a BS Office Administration Magna Cum Laude from Bohol Island State University. Donna Marie’s words resonated deeply, as she shared a Jing Si Aphorism: “Do not fail in reaching a distant goal, but in failing to move forward,” a motto she learned from Tzu Chi that taught her true wealth lies not in what you have, but in how much you give.
Tzu Chi scholars proudly hold their certificates alongside the dedicated commissioners from Taiwan, Manila, Cebu, and Bohol who entrusted them with the gift of education and hope.
Another student, Riza Balaba, a BSED-Mathematics student from BISU, shared her own story of perseverance. Despite living with a bone infection called osteomyelitis , she found a champion in Tzu Chi. “Among all the scholarships I applied for, only Tzu Chi gave me a chance,” she said. Her speech was a heartfelt reminder that compassion can open doors and transform lives.
The ceremony concluded with Brother James Chua, Tzu Chi Philippines’ Deputy CEO and Bohol Coordinator, reminding the scholars of the deeper purpose behind their support. “We help without expecting anything in return,” he stated, emphasizing that their success is the true reward, an aspiration that echoes Master Cheng Yen’s vision of providing proper guidance to children. The Master teaches that if a person strays from the right path, it will take far greater effort to bring them back, which is why education must begin with character-building. With this in mind, Brother James ended with a powerful call to action: “You can do it. Believe in yourself. Face all challenges head-on, so you can build a brighter future.”
Ultimately, the Tzu Chi Bohol Scholars Awarding Ceremony was a powerful narrative of hope. It proved that when seeds of kindness are sown, they can indeed blossom into the greatest achievements, creating a ripple effect that touches families, communities, and a nation.
With heartfelt smiles, Taiwan volunteers proudly hold the certificates, ready to empower the scholars on their journey toward a brighter future.
Sister Peng Lu Tan and Tzu Chi Youth Melody Lee from Taiwan share heartfelt hugs with the scholars as they hand over the certificates, symbolizing support and encouragement for their journey ahead.
With heartfelt warmth, Brother Joe Chen embraced the scholar, honoring her hard work and encouraging her dreams to soar.
Scholars respectfully bow to the commissioners from Taiwan, Manila, Cebu, and Bohol, honoring their support before receiving their certificates.
Taiwan volunteers smiled brightly as they took a photo after awarding certificates to the scholars, marking a proud and hopeful milestone.
A group photo of dedicated Tzu Chi commissioners from Taiwan, Manila, Cebu and Bohol after the awarding ceremony.
