Sagbayan, Bohol — A morning of hope and compassion shone brightly in Sagbayan, Bohol on July 11, 2025, as 27 Tzu Chi commissioners from Taiwan, Manila, Cebu, and Bohol, staff, and 3 community volunteers gathered for three meaningful acts of compassion in one morning: The Happy Homes Turnover, Pre-Fabricated Classrooms Turnover, and Community Donation Drive. Each act was a testament to love in action, providing shelter for families, safe learning spaces for children, and inspiring generosity through even the smallest offerings, all rooted in the spirit of shared humanity.
The day began with the emotional turnover of five Happy Homes to selected families in the town, two of whom are bedridden. Witnessing their difficult living conditions turned into a moment of renewed dignity and warmth, which moved many to tears. The atmosphere turned emotional as the Taiwan Tzu Chi volunteers serenaded the recipients with an a cappella performance song “One Family”, their voices bringing comfort and joy that filled each newly built home.
Sister Chen Sin-Ru hammering the Happy Home plate number during the turnover.
For many of the visiting volunteers, this was their first time in Bohol, and they were deeply moved by what they saw. Taiwan volunteer Chen Sin-Ru, who is 12 years serving in Tzu Chi, shared her joy at seeing the home turnovers. “Even though I don’t own a house in Taiwan, it feels so good to give a home to a senior,” she said, expressing a wish that more people could witness such acts of compassion. As 85-year-old Valeriana Alcover received a new home and hospital bed from Tzu Chi, she gently told the beneficiary, “Be happy for our gift.” When the beneficiary’s daughter said “Gan en” Chen smiled and replied, “I hope one day you become a volunteer too.”
Taiwan Tzu Chi volunteer Brother Chi Fu was deeply moved on his first visit to Bohol after meeting Hilario and Hilaria Baran, a senior couple and the 258th “Happy Home” beneficiary.
We’re so blessed to witness this,” he said. His wife, Sister Tzu Ying, added, “We’ve never seen this kind of situation in Taiwan. Helping rebuild homes is a blessing; we realized how lucky we truly are.”
Tzu Chi commissioners from Taiwan and Manila, together with the school principal, hold the logo sticker for the repaired pre-fab classroom during the turnover ceremony.
Tzu Chi commissioners from Taiwan and Manila, together with staff, a community volunteer, the principal, and students of Clemente Borja NHS, pose for a photo before the turnover ceremony ended.
The group then went to Clemente Borja National High School for the turnover of two repaired pre-fabricated classrooms. Tzu Chi extended its help because the school principal wanted to provide students with a safe and welcoming learning environment. The school’s plan to relocate and reuse existing materials demonstrated a commitment to resourcefulness and sustainability. However, they lacked the necessary materials to complete the project. Tzu Chi stepped in to fill this gap, providing the needed assistance to bring the vision for a better learning space to life.
Eleven years ago, Tzu Chi volunteer Kan Chiang Wen from Taiwan helped build pre-fabricated classrooms in Bohol after the 7.2-magnitude earthquake and Typhoon Yolanda. When he returned for Tzu Chi Bohol’s 10th-anniversary celebration in December 2024, he was deeply moved to see the classrooms still standing strong. Now, as he witnessed the turnover of two repaired pre-fabricated classrooms, he shared with emotion, “It makes me so happy and full of gratitude,” touched that the buildings he helped construct continue to serve the community. He also expressed his appreciation for how the local volunteers have faithfully nurtured the project that began with love.
Taiwan volunteers meet the school principal of Canmaya Diot High School during the donation drive.
Students of Canmaya Diot High School hold the treats and goodies given by Taiwan volunteers during thedonation drive.
Before the morning ended, the volunteers made their way to Canmaya Diot High School for a Donation Drive activity. Students and teachers handed over coin banks they had filled, small acts of kindness that, when combined, create meaningful change. These donations may be small, but they carried a powerful message of kindness and generosity.
It was a short yet impactful morning, proof that when people come together with purpose, even a few hours can spark lasting change.
Taiwan volunteers carry essential supplies as gifts on their way to the turnover of the Happy Home to its beneficiaries.
Taiwan volunteers carry essential supplies as gifts on their way to the turnover of the Happy Home to its beneficiaries.
Taiwan volunteers and Tzu Chi staff carry a hospital bed for a bedridden Happy Home beneficiary.
Taiwan volunteers and Tzu Chi staff carry essential supplies as gifts on their way to the Happy Home turnover for its beneficiaries.
Sister Peng Lu and Brother Jimmy Chua assist Sister Conchita on their way to the beneficiary’s Happy Home for the turnover.
The joyful smiles of Taiwan volunteers during the Happy Home turnover.
The joyful smiles of Taiwan volunteers during the Happy Home turnover.
Taiwan volunteers listen to the school principal’s speech of gratitude during the turnover of the repaired pre-fab classroom.
Tzu Chi commissioners from Taiwan and Manila, together with staff, a community volunteer, and the faculty of Canmaya Diot High School, pose for a photo while holding the coin bank during the donation drive.
