“Wherever there are people in need, Tzu Chi volunteers will be there to help.”
These words from Dharma Master Cheng Yen came to life as 25 Tzu Chi commissioners from Taiwan, Manila, Bohol, and 4 Tzu Chi staff embarked on a day filled with compassion, connection, and service in the towns of Tagbilaran and Loboc, Bohol. Through simultaneous activities held on July 14, 2025, the volunteers brought hope to orphans, support to students, and joy to communities still recovering from past hardships.
The journey began with a visit to Sunshine Home Orphanage in Cabawan, Tagbilaran City, where the commissioners met with orphaned children described as “hope bearers.” Brother James Chua, Deputy CEO of Tzu Chi Philippines and Bohol Coordinator, encouraged the children with a touching reminder: “You are still lucky, because there are hearts and hands ready to help and support you.”
Taiwan volunteers share treats and goodies with the orphans of Sunshine Home.
In return, the children performed a heartfelt song and dance number to express their gratitude. Generous donations followed, including a sack of rice, medicine and vitamins, clothing, and other necessities.
Taiwan volunteers perform the sign language song ‘One Family’ for the orphans of Sunshine Home.
Taiwan volunteers perform the sign language song ‘One Family’ for the orphans of Sunshine Home.
Taiwan volunteers perform the sign language song ‘One Family’ for the orphans of Sunshine Home.
Taiwan volunteers embrace the orphans of Sunshine Home after performing the sign language song ‘One Family’.
Before leaving, the commissioners shared a touching sign language performance of “One Family”, conveying their love and care through gestures and warm hugs.
With joyful smiles, Taiwan volunteers happily hold the carton containing the computer during the turnover ceremony.
Brother Kan Chiang Wen from Taiwan sits beside the Municipal Mayor of Loboc during the blessing ceremony, NSTP graduation, recognition, and orientation program.
Heading to Colegio de Loboc, the group joined a blessing ceremony, NSTP graduation, recognition, and orientation events. They received a warm welcome from the Lobocanons and, in support of education, donated 20 computer units to the school. The school head expressed sincere appreciation for Tzu Chi’s generosity.
Niño at 2 years old, recovering from his burn wounds when Tzu Chi volunteers met him back in 2019.
Tzu Chi volunteers share treats and goodies from Taiwan with Niño and his mother during their visit.
The commissioners then proceeded to visit Niño Jabasa, a young boy who suffered from severe burns at age two. Now nine years old, Niño recently underwent plastic surgery in Manila, all expenses covered by Tzu Chi. As the group arrived, he greeted them with a bright smile from the window. His mother, overwhelmed with emotion, thanked the foundation for its continuing compassion.
Chen Li-Hua, a Tzu Chi volunteer from Taiwan, was moved by the reunion. “Now he can stretch his arms. It is really Master’s blessings,” she shared, touched by Niño’s recovery and the love Tzu Chi has shown to him over the years.
Brother Kan Chiang Wen presents a gift to the Municipal Mayor of Loboc after a meeting with commissioners from Taiwan, Manila, and Bohol.
The commissioners then paid a courtesy visit to the Mayor’s Office of Loboc, where they discussed ongoing recovery efforts following Typhoon Odette in 2021.
Taiwan volunteers serenade while enjoying the scenic Loboc River cruise.
Tzu Chi commissioners from Taiwan, Manila, and Bohol, together with Tzu Chi Youth and staff, pose for a photo at the front of the boat while cruising the Loboc River.
Taiwan volunteers and a Tzu Chi Youth try playing the ukulele during the stopover.
A Taiwan volunteer tries the traditional tinikling dance at the stopover before the Loboc River cruise ended.
As a gesture of gratitude, the mayor hosted the group on the famous Loboc River Cruise. While enjoying local delicacies, they were serenaded by a live singer and guitarist. A stop mid-cruise allowed them to witness and even join a lively Tinikling folk dance, bringing smiles and laughter to all.
Tzu Chi commissioners from Taiwan, Manila, and Bohol pose for a photo with the Loboc Ambassadors Band after their lively performance.
Tzu Chi commissioners from Taiwan, Manila, and Bohol pose for a photo with the Loboc Ambassadors Band after their lively performance.
A member of the Loboc Ambassadors Band serenades a Taiwan volunteer and presents a rose during their performance.
To cap the day, the group visited the Children’s Palace, where they were welcomed with inspiring performances by the Loboc Youth Ambassador Band and the internationally acclaimed Loboc Children’s Choir. The children serenaded the visitors and presented flowers, showcasing their remarkable talent and gratitude.
It was a day that reflected the heart of Tzu Chi’s mission, spreading compassion through action, and hope through presence. The experience will long be remembered by all who took part as a celebration of kindness, resilience, and unity.
Tzu Chi commissioners from Taiwan, Manila, and Bohol took a photo with social worker and staff of Sunshine Home after the mini-program.
Taiwan volunteers on their way to Niňo Jabasa’s house.
Tzu Chi commissioners from Taiwan, Manila, and Bohol, together with the Tzu Chi Youth, pose for a photo at the entrance of the Children’s Palace before witnessing the performances of the Loboc Children’s Choir and the Loboc Ambassadors Band.
Taiwan volunteers on their way to the Children’s Palace to witness the performances of the Loboc Children’s Choir and the Loboc Youth Ambassadors Band.
