Six Decades of Great Love: Tzu Chi Bohol Celebrates 3-in-1 Event

The power of a single thought should never be underestimated. As Dharma Master Cheng Yen once said, “Do not underestimate the power of small acts of kindness.” These timeless words beautifully reflect the spirit of the Tzu Chi Foundation, which she founded sixty years ago. What began as a simple intention of compassion has grown into a living testament of love and service, continuously inspiring millions of people around the world to walk the path of compassion together despite life’s many challenges and suffering.

It all began in 1966, when a young Taiwanese nun, Dharma Master Cheng Yen, courageously embraced her mission to relieve the suffering of the poor and less fortunate. Deeply inspired by the Buddha’s teachings, she encouraged 30 housewives to practice the Bamboo Bank tradition by setting aside 50 centavos from their grocery money each day and save it in a bamboo coin bank to help those in need. From this humble beginning, few could have imagined that such a simple act of kindness would create lasting change and continue to bring hope to humanity sixty years later.

The tradition lives on across the globe. On the rainy afternoon of May 10, 2026, the Tzu Chi Foundation Bohol held three meaningful occasions in one memorable gathering at the Bohol Cultural Center in Tagbilaran City, commemorating Buddha Day, Global Tzu Chi Day, and Mother’s Day. A total of 918 participants attended the event, including 7 commissioners, 68 local volunteers, 254 scholars, 22 staff members, 12 guests, and 555 participants coming from different Tzu Chi communities around Bohol. This year marks a very special milestone for the foundation as it celebrates its 60th anniversary of humanitarian service globally.

Preparations were carried out with great care as Tzu Chi staff set up the venue while participants rehearsed for the parade of offerings under the guidance of Sister Chieh Fang Uy. Even before the program formally began, the atmosphere was already filled with unity, discipline, and devotion.

In his opening remarks, Brother James Chua, Deputy CEO of Tzu Chi Philippines and Bohol Coordinator, emphasized the foundation’s mission inspired by the words, “To purify people’s minds so that we may have a harmonious society.” He also encouraged more volunteers in Bohol to continue strengthening the mission of compassion and service.

The central highlight of the celebration was the Buddha Bathing Ceremony. Guided by the teaching, “Only by first purifying and changing ourselves can we ever hope to purify and transform others.” , Sister Chieh Fang Uy, Tzu Chi Bohol Volunteer Development Coordinator, who led the solemn program and explained the deeper meaning of the 3-in-1 celebration, expressed hope that through the event, participants would come to know the Buddha, understand His teachings, and allow the seeds of great love to grow within their hearts. “In this event, we witnessed how our volunteers, especially the youth and staff, worked together with unity of heart. We are truly grateful for that,” she shared.

This sacred ritual commemorates the birth of the Buddha and invites everyone to look inward, cleansing their hearts and renewing their commitment to goodness. More than a symbolic act, it serves as a reminder to let go of greed, anger, and ignorance while cultivating wisdom, compassion, and gratitude in daily life. As Dharma Master Cheng Yen once said, “The Buddha has never departed. He resides right here, in everyone’s hearts.” This means that the spirit of compassion, kindness, and wisdom lives within every person and can be reflected through sincere actions toward others.

One of the participants during the offering ceremony was Charissa Suello, 34, from Inabanga, Bohol, attended the event for the third time. She shared how her journey as a volunteer began after Typhoon Odette and how the experience continues to inspire her.

During the ceremony, she silently offered prayers for her family. “I pray for good health for my family,” she said, sharing that one sibling is battling a cyst that has required multiple surgeries, while another has a goiter. Despite these challenges, she remains hopeful and continues to pray for healing, strength, and for her sibling to successfully graduate.

The celebration continued halfway into the program where gratitude toward parents and families through the Mother’s Day segment brought deeply emotional moments for many participants and audience. Across Tzu Chi communities worldwide, moments of appreciation between parents and children are touching gestures of the sacrifices made within families and expressed gratitude by actions.

Tzu Chi Bohol staff Sister Arlene Pelayo has served the foundation for nine years. She shared how deeply moved she was during the program where she and her daughter were the participants themselves.

“I have always helped facilitate this part, but this is the first time I personally experienced it. It felt very meaningful and beautiful,” she said, recalling how the foot-washing ceremony touched her beyond words.

Her daughter, Christine Zen, responded with love and gratitude, promising to study hard and finish her education. “I feel happy because even in my small effort, I was able to give something back to my mother for all her sacrifices,” she shared. She ended with a heartfelt message: “I love you and thank you, Mom,” as she embraced her mother.

The giving of flowers and washing of foot segment was followed by a sign language performance by TCY team titled “The Kneeling Lamb,” which conveys a message about filial piety. Daniel Bakilid, 21, one of performers, a Business Administration 3rd year college in Tagbilaran City College, took part in the sign language presentation. “Tzu Chi taught us to love our parents, not just through words, but through action, gratitude, and effort,” he shared. “Even though it is difficult, we try to say ‘I love you’ and rebuild our connection with our parents.” He ended with a heartfelt message of gratitude to his mother and to all mothers around the world.

Tzu Chi consistent coin bank contributor Dalareich Polot shared a heartfelt message of gratitude as she reflected on the sacrifices of her mother, who once worked as a street sweeper and father who used to be a tricycle driver to provide for their family.

“While our mothers are still with us, we should never miss the opportunity to show them our love and appreciation,” she said.

She added that the Tzu Chi Foundation has helped her in ways that go far beyond material assistance. Through the foundation, she learned many valuable lessons, one of the most meaningful being that a mother’s love is the purest and most selfless form of compassion.

The program concluded with Brother Joven Uy, Tzu Chi Bohol Deputy Coordinator, who presented the accomplishments of Tzu Chi Bohol and shared Dharma Master Cheng Yen’s teaching: “When there are many good people, the power of blessings and kindness is great.”

From its humble beginnings in Taiwan to its continued mission in Bohol, the Tzu Chi Foundation remains a living example of compassion in action, where every story, every sacrifice, and every act of kindness become part of a greater purpose.

Indeed, Dharma Master Cheng Yen’s words, “With love in our hearts, there is nothing we cannot overcome,” rang true throughout the celebration. From the humble beginnings of a single bamboo coin bank to a global movement of compassion, the Tzu Chi Foundation continues to show that when people unite with sincerity, gratitude, and love, even the smallest acts of kindness can transform lives and bring hope to the world.