A group of Tzu Chi youth and volunteers from Taiwan embarked on a weeklong cultural exchange journey to the Philippines. Tzu Chi Eye Center located in Manila was one of their stops. On August 14, 2024, the excited Taiwanese visitors spent an afternoon touring the Eye Center facilities and operating rooms, learning about the vital services it provides to patients from the marginalized sector along the way.
“I feel very touched by the fact that everything is completely free, yet they still put in so much effort to manage it!” Tzu Chi Youth volunteer Tang Jhih-Yen shared. “They even have a special children’s room so that the kids can feel less nervous during their check-ups!”
Volunteers Michael Siao, Ferdinand Dy, and ophthalmologist Dr. Alex Sua took turns sharing with the young volunteers about some of the many heartwarming stories that unfolded at the Eye Center, including how poor patients adopt coin banks to donate at least a peso each day to help treat the next patient. “This gave the patient’s life a new meaning. When the volunteer was sharing this story, he was beaming with joy, which was truly moving,” Jhih-Yen added.
Nursing student Lin Cheng-Yu was particularly impressed by the state-of-the-art operating rooms and equipment. But even more so, by the big-hearted volunteer doctors who serve without asking for anything in return. “We got a chance to observe while a surgery was being performed and I realized the procedure really requires a high level of skill. I find it truly remarkable that Tzu Chi had nurtured skilled professionals who are dedicated to helping society,” said Cheng-Yu.
Listening to the challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments and witnessing the spirit of loving kindness and selfless giving embodied by volunteers and doctors of Tzu Chi Eye Center in Manila were enriching experience for the visiting youths. Understanding suffering made them realize their own riches, which in turn, encouraged them to deepen their commitment to Tzu Chi’s work. “I think, regardless if you are a doctor, staff, or volunteer here in Tzu Chi, your love has already reached a lot of people,” Tang Zhi-yan mused. “I hope that one day, I can also do what you do. I want to help a lot of people and I want to do my best to contribute in the mission to fill this world with love!”
Tzu Chi Philippines Deputy CEO Michael Siao started his volunteer work in Tzu Chi as member of the local Tzu Chi Youth Association. He shares with the young volunteers from Taiwan about his many experiences in carrying out Tzu Chi’s missions namely charity, recycling, disaster relief, and medical assistance through the stories of patients that he met at the Tzu Chi Eye Center over the years.
Tzu Chi volunteer Ferdinand Dy shares with the visiting volunteers from Taiwan the story of a cataract patient, who was a former Person Deprived of Liberty (PDL), and his collegiate granddaughter who made a cash donation and vowed to help spread the word about Tzu Chi Eye Center’s work when she becomes a TV reporter.
Volunteer ophthalmologist and leukemia survivor Dr. Alex Sua shares how Master Cheng Yen, through Tzu Chi’s Stem Cell Center, saved his life. He regularly volunteers at the Tzu Chi Eye Center to make the most of the second life he was given.
Tzu Chi volunteers show the Eye Center’s state-of-the-art-equipment to the visitors from Taiwan. Although the Eye Center was established as an eye care facility for the less-privileged, Tzu Chi founder Dharma Master Cheng Yen instructed the volunteers to use the best equipment and mobilize the best doctors in treating patients.
Volunteer ophthalmologist Dr. Alex Sua demonstrates using the slit lamp and the imaging system in diagnosing patients.
Youth volunteers from Taiwan witness an actual surgical procedure during their visit at the Tzu Chi Eye Center.
To preserve the happy memories they shared on this day, visitors from Taiwan and Tzu Chi Eye Center volunteers and staff pose for a photo together.
The following day, the 22 Taiwanese youths, accompanied by Tzu Chi commissioners and faith corps members, gathered early in the morning at the Manila Airport. Along with local Tzu Chi volunteers and youth from Manila, they all took a flight and headed to the country’s first UNESCO Global Geopark, the island province of Bohol. As they toured the famous scenic spots that earned its international recognition in 2023, they not only gained a firsthand look at life in the Philippines but also immersed themselves in several Tzu Chi activities while learning about the province’s rich cultural heritage.
One of the highlights of the exchange program was participating in Tzu Chi Bohol’s community projects. Now on its 10th year of providing humanitarian services in the province, Tzu Chi Bohol organized simultaneous events over three days that aligned with the foundation’s four core missions: charity, medicine, education, and humanistic culture. This allowed the Taiwanese visitors to experience how Tzu Chi operates in the island province as they were joined by local Tzu Chi youth and volunteers throughout this immersive experience.
Upon their arrival at the airport, the visitors received a warm welcome from the local Tzu Chi youths. The group traveled directly to Sagbayan town, where they quickly joined local Tzu Chi members and TIMA dentists who were busy setting up for a two-day dental mission scheduled for August 16-17, 2024.
During the dental mission, Taiwanese visitors interacted with local children in Sagbayan, helping to ease their anxieties through singing, dancing, and programs promoting dental wellness on the first day. Some Taiwanese youth held dental instruments for the first time while assisting the TIMA dentists.
Voon Xin Jie “I think in (my trip to) Bohol, the Free Dental Clinic would be my top choice (of all the activities I participated). Because I found out, such services come at a high cost and are often inaccessible. We as volunteers simply offer love, and care, and it’s all free. This is for all the children here today and it touches me deeply that Tzu Chi have a strategy to offer these services to them. Because of this team, I feel very motivated to follow their steps.”
Later that afternoon, they participated in a simple turnover ceremony for one of the newly built Happy Homes located in the same town.
林承妤:(in the left side) “I came to attend the turnover of the housing project. At first, I thought the Happy Home would be an extravagant house, but when I arrived, I saw that it is a simple home. During the turnover process, there were many Tzu Chi volunteers who came to celebrate together, and I was moved by this act.” “If I had this new house and many people came to celebrate with me, I would be very touched and would cherish everything.” “Actually, we do not know each other’s language, but we performed a song titled ‘Gan Xie’ (Thank you). Through communication using sign language, the message was conveyed. You could see in their eyes that they were touched, and I was very happy to witness that.” “I saw a number sign outside the house that read 152, and a local volunteer explained to us that this house is the 152nd built for the elderly in Bohol. I was touched by the industriousness of the Tzu Chi volunteers here in Bohol.”
吳姵秦-(in the middle) “One meaningful thing is that the material of the Happy Home was made from bamboo, so I think it’s very eco-friendly. It was a great feeling because they built the new house just right next to the old house, so they (the beneficiary) can live in their familiar environment.”
張學恭: “We can see that Tzu Chi is continuously creating good affinity here in Bohol.” “This experience is an eye-opener. I got to see others’ suffering and realized my own blessings—that I grew up in a warm and harmonious family.”
The Taiwanese youth and volunteers traversed muddy pathways on foot and hiked up steep hills on a rainy day during the fourth Community Fund Drive in Loboc. Their presence hastened the activity with more extra hands helping in the donation drive. The visitors grasped the significance of Tzu Chi’s approach to collecting donations; that behind every contribution, no matter how much amount was given, lies a heartfelt gesture from the donors wishing to help others in need. This cycle of love reaches out to even the remote areas where locals would diligently do a house-to-house visit.
林承妤: “I was tasked with carrying a bag to put in the donations, and it grew heavier as we went along. It felt as though the love and care I was carrying kept increasing.” “We spent quite a bit of money on this trip, but it cannot compare to the love we received here. The most valuable thing is that we planted a seed of love to volunteer. “This is my first time joining this kind of activity and my first time visiting a community and it was here in the Philippines that I visited different communities and served.”
張學恭: “Because we wear this (Tzu Chi) uniform, they (the locals) are very willing to interact with us. It shows the spread of Tzu Chi’s humanity and harmony.” “I had the opportunity to visit an impoverished community and realized how blessed I am. It was Tzu Chi that gave me this opportunity, and I am grateful to Shang Ren for founding Tzu Chi, so we have a chance to.
Tzu Chi Bohol oversees several social welfare institutions, including one that houses and takes care of juvenile delinquents and children abandoned at a young age or since birth. It was heartwarming to witness foreigners, local Tzu Chi youth, and children at this center bond instantly through games and gift-giving.
13-year-old Mary (not her real name) has been residing at the Sunshine Homes for ten years. Aside from the shelter, the home also sends her to school along with her 2 other siblings because their mother could not afford to provide and care for them as she presently has her own family, raising 2 of her other children.
“I am happy that we get visitors here and shared their blessings to us while they interact with and know our stories as well”, Mary said.
A grade 10 student, Bert (not his real name) was left in a hospital since birth not knowing who his parents were. He was cared for and sheltered in a home but upon reaching the age of 10, he had to be transferred to the Sunshine Homes. He has been grateful to his second home because he would soon be finishing his senior high school through its educational assistance.
“I am very appreciative that Tzu Chi has chosen our home to be one of its beneficiaries. We are pleased that they have been coming here often to give their support and provide our needs” Bert said.
As their visit drew to a close on the final day of the exchange program, a culminating event awaited them. To their astonishment, upon entering the Bohol Cultural Center, they saw a large group of people wearing uniforms identical to theirs, seated attentively as a Tzu Chi volunteer delivered a talk on stage. This gathering was part of the monthly Humanity Class for the foundation scholars. When they learned that what they were witnessing represented only half of Tzu Chi’s youth population in Bohol—who are also Educational Assistance Program recipients—many were left amazed. They later reflected on their own blessings for having opportunities for education and cross-cultural experiences that allowed them to learn about others’ struggles and sufferings.
The Taiwanese youths and volunteers reached out to the shy local youths to build connections. They took to the stage to share their three-day immersive experiences regarding local life while expressing gratitude for the warmth and hospitality of the Boholanos. Through sign language performances and shared stories, friendships were forged that morning.
“Just now, seeing these children, my tears couldn’t stop flowing—my (face) mask was soaked. I thought to myself, in such an impoverished environment, only education can truly change their fate.These children are truly blessed, so fortunate to have encountered Tzu Chi. When they sang that song, “Thank you, because of you,” it’s because of Tzu Chi that their fate has been transformed, giving their lives new meaning. Truly, we follow our mentor, who says that only education can overturn their destiny of poverty.”, one of the Tzu Chi DaAi Mama of the Taiwan delegates said.
HSU, TAI-AN “So, I’ve already been here in Bohol for three days, and I’ve really felt everyone’s warmth. Especially at the airport, where they welcomed us with a band and many young volunteers. At first, I thought it was for some important official, but it turned out it was for us! This kind of atmosphere is very rare in Taiwan, and it makes me want to come back to Bohol again and again because this is a place I truly love.
When I first arrived at the cultural center and saw so many volunteers wearing their uniforms, I was moved to tears. The warm welcome really touched me, as they didn’t treat us like foreigners, but like family. I am deeply grateful to everyone here, and also to the senior volunteers who welcomed us with the best hospitality. This has shown me that even in a place with poverty, Bohol is also the richest in spirit. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to come here and made so many friends.” HSU, TAI-AN reflected.
WANG, PEI-XUAN – I’m so happy I can go Bohol Island. It’s very beautiful, having a beautiful sea, beautiful view. And I do something like I visit a happy home, and I saw a lot of families that also live in a difficult situation, but they don’t give up. They do their best to share their life. And I’m so happy I can visit them. And the second day, I remember I went to the dental clinic. And I helped to teach some students how to wash our hands correctly, and how to brush our teeth correctly. I believe that will help them to have the correct knowledge for that. And then, I also saw some families that maybe suffered from typhoons or earthquakes in the past, but now they rebuild their homes, and they also donate their money to the Tzu Chi Foundation that can help others. When I go back to Taiwan, I will teach my friends or family or other friends (about this experience), let them join Tzu Chi Foundation. If we are a group and we do the right things together, it can change a lot of things.”
Voon Xin Jie – “I was deeply impressed during my trip, especially by the idea that because we come from different cultures, we speak different languages and it’s often difficult to communicate and understand one another due to these language and cultural differences. Since I study cultural studies, I am aware of these challenges. However, here, we all danced every night, so joyfully and openly. Everyone was so happy, and I could feel how passionate and welcoming they were towards us. It was a touching experience. Every moving moment I had was in Bohol.
“What was the most touching? I think it was probably when I was on stage, and all the Bohol scholars and youths danced for us, waved goodbye, and made me feel so connected to them. I am truly grateful to Tzu Chi for bringing me here to meet all of you.I know we can all have an impact. I want to use that influence to make a difference in Bohol, Manila, and the Philippines. I hope to continue sharing this positive energy with you all.”
The foreign visit aimed to deepen their understanding of the Filipino culture while forming connections through cross-cultural relationships—an objective achieved beyond expectations.
In the world of Tzu Chi, language is merely a vessel easily transcended by the iconic volunteer uniform. Wherever one goes within Tzu Chi globally, this uniform symbolizes the entirety of the foundation, bridging cultural and linguistic barriers instantly. A genuine smile and a compassionate act are the true dialects of Tzu Chi—spoken fluently by hearts united with a common purpose and mission. These shared values create relationships that rise above boundaries effortlessly.
