Tubigon, Bohol — Early in the morning, families began arriving at the Tubigon Cultural Center in Bohol. Many were parents accompanying their children, patiently waiting in line for something many had never experienced before—a visit to the dentist. For some residents, persistent toothaches had been endured for months. Others had postponed treatment for years because dental care was simply beyond their means. Yet on March 7 and 8, 2026, hope arrived through the free dental mission organized by the Tzu Chi Foundation in Bohol.
Over two days, coming from the different barangays of Tubigon and Bagong Banwa Island, 1,105 patients which were mostly composed of grade school children, received their much-needed dental care, and as they left the venue not only free from months of suffering, they carried with them renewed smiles and gratitude.
Before dawn on March 7, at 3:00 AM, Tzu Chi staff members, Tzu Chi Youth, and volunteers diligently set up the empty Tubigon Cultural Center, transforming the venue into a fully functional dental clinic. The large space was ready to welcome hundreds of patients, with registration areas, sterilization stations, and treatment areas.
Led by a petite and only female staff at the mission site, Rejane Lumantas meticulously coordinated and organized the event. “At around 2:30 in the morning, we all woke up. Because we didn’t get much rest the night before, everyone was a little sleep-deprived. But once we arrived at the venue, we did our best to set everything up with joyful hearts.”, she energetically said.
Another staff, Jezreel Valeroso who was busy assembling the portable dental equipment while sharing his expertise with a Tzu Chi volunteer added, “I believe what matters most is teamwork, passion for the work, and care for others. When you see people receiving help, you no longer feel tired—your heart is filled with joy.”
The dental mission brought together volunteers from different regions and countries, united by a shared purpose to serve. Faith Corps and certified commissioners came from Ormoc, Cebu, Manila, and Bohol, as well as overseas volunteers from Japan and Taiwan—30 volunteers in total. Five of them were dental equipment technicians from Taiwan, hastening the dental services for the patients with their on-the-spot troubleshooting and repair of Tzu Chi’s portable dental equipment.
Often speaking about the efficiency of Tzu Chi’s portable dental equipment, Bohol’s Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) dentist, Dr. Raymund Lim, has been regularly joining Tzu Chi Bohol’s dental missions and he would boast of Tzu Chi’s machines that come with a complete set of tools allowing dentists to perform the main services typically found only in a dental clinic setup, such as cleaning and fillings, but with Tzu Chi, brought within a large mission site. In addition, Dr. Lim emphasized that “Tzu Chi Dental Mission is different from other free clinics, we saw their compassion of how they take care of the patients. Usually because free clinics always do extractions only but in Tzu Chi, they prioritized cleaning (and dental hygiene) as well”.
The event was also made possible through the coordinated efforts of 13 Tzu Chi staff members, 48 Tzu Chi Youth, and 47 community and institutional partner volunteers. Thirteen volunteer dentists from Manila closed their private clinics to generously offer their professional expertise, and serve ceaselessly to treat patients throughout the two-day mission.
Young volunteers from the Tzu Chi Youth and Scholar group also played a vital role in ensuring the smooth flow of the activity. They helped manage registration, guide patients, support sterilization procedures, and maintain order throughout the mission. The youths energy and dedication helped create a warm and organized environment for the hundreds of patients waiting for treatment.
Tzu Chi scholar Erika Joy Tacurian felt fulfillment from her volunteering experience and reflected, “Being able to help, even in a small way, makes me very happy. I was able to see many children, and realizing that not everyone has the privilege of receiving dental care.”
By the corner of the large venue, another group of Tzu Chi youth have been working non-stop to wash, clean, and sterilize the dental instruments to keep up with the pacing of the dentists. “Even though it can be tiring, when you are serving others, the fatigue lessens because you know you have helped someone.”, youth volunteer Abegail Lansang said.
On the first day of the mission, March 7, the dental team performed 321 dental cleanings and 242 tooth extractions, serving a total of 563 patients.
The following day, March 8, another 542 patients were assisted, receiving 356 dental cleanings and 186 extractions.
Beyond the dental procedures, the mission also became a place of learning, inspiration, and Tzu Chi’s compassionate service.
Senior volunteer dentists encouraged younger practitioners to continue joining the humanitarian missions of Tzu Chi. Through their mentorship, they passed on the spirit of compassionate service coupled with their professional knowledge which becomes a powerful instrument to relieve suffering. As would long-time TIMA Dentist from Manila, Dr. Alex Copengco puts it, “in the future, the young ones will continue Tzu Chi’s advocacy to help the less fortunate people”.
For many younger dentists, the experience brought a deeper sense of fulfillment. Treating patients who had long endured pain reminded them that their profession could be more than a career—it could also be a path of service. The mission also became an opportunity to teach children about caring for their teeth. Dentists patiently guided young patients one by one, demonstrating proper brushing techniques and explaining the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene. For many of these children, it was their first lesson in dental care, one that could help prevent future pain and dental problems.
“Most of the children have poor oral hygiene, and this mission helps (us dentists) teach them proper dental care. Many only know how to brush (their teeth), so it’s important that they learn step by step the correct way to take care of their teeth.” said Dr. Shinley Alyssa Martin, a young volunteer dentist from Manila who recently got her license in Dentistry. “I started volunteering in Tzu Chi when I was still a student. I told myself that if I passed the board exam, I would come back because it feels so good to help, and it’s rewarding to assist other children.”, Dr. Martin continued as she seemed to have not ran out of energy during the 2-day mission.
Volunteers from Ormoc also found the mission to be a valuable learning opportunity. As they assisted and observed the entire process—from patient registration to sterilization procedures and treatment flow—they carefully studied how the activity was organized. Inspired by what they witnessed, they hope to organize a similar dental outreach in their hometown in the coming months to extend the dental service to another community.
Parents, too, were moved by the compassion shown by the volunteers and medical team. Some expressed their gratitude by adopting Tzu Chi’s coin cans as a way of supporting future missions and helping others in need. Mrs. Cabilang from Bagong Banwa Island shared that they grabbed the opportunity and traveled to the mainland in Tubigon by boat to avail of the free dental service. “I am bringing home a Tzu Chi coin can so we can give our share to help others next time.” Her son, Jun, who was happily sharing a light moment with the other children at the waiting area have been enduring a toothache for several weeks, “we don’t have money to pay for the treatment”, he suddenly lamented. Under the expert hands of Dr. Alex Copengco, a big tooth was extracted from Jun where he showed how courageous he was despite being his first time to see a dentist.
Others found different ways to give back. Some parents returned to the venue with snacks for the volunteers and working personnel, while others offered their time and assistance during the activity. For them, though their resources may have been limited, their gestures reflected a sincere wish to share kindness and express their gratitude to those who had helped their children.
While the dental mission brought immediate relief to more than a thousand of its residents, its impact to the community went far beyond the treatments performed. It inspired young professionals to serve, trained volunteers to organize future outreach programs, and taught children and families how to care for their dental health and share kindness with others.
Through the combined efforts of volunteers, dentists, youth participants, and community partners, the mission demonstrated how compassion can ripple outward, restoring not only oral health, but also hope, dignity, and a spirit of giving back.
