On October 26, 2025, the Tzu Chi Foundation- Bohol visited the children of Shepherd’s Arms Foundation in Dauis, Bohol. The Shepherd’s Arms Foundation is a small Christian orphanage that provides a home, education, and faith-based upbringing to abandoned and neglected children. With the mission to care for orphans, the neglected youth, and those in need, the facilitator of the foundation teaches and motivates their children to serve others and not just wait for help.
A Tzu Chi commissioner, 17 Tzu Chi Youth, and 7 Tzu Chi staff spread compassion and joy among the children of the orphanage that day while providing them with the opportunity to learn from meaningful experiences and form connections.
As the day was filled with interactive games, storytelling, dancing, and personal conversations, it created an atmosphere of gratitude among the children. They were gifted with the kids version of the Jing Si (Still Thoughts) books. Tzu Chi Youth Bohol Head, Mark Boiser led a storytelling session relative to the teachings contained in the book on being a good and hardworking child.
Tzu Chi commissioner and Tzu Chi Bohol Deputy Coordinator, Bro. Joven Uy encouraged the children to persevere in their studies and to dream big. He reminded them that having less should never be a reason to stop studying, because if they work hard, a bright future awaits.
One touching moment came when the children wrote their Christmas wishes on pieces of paper and hung them on a Christmas tree. Each wish carried a glimpse of their innocent hopes – mostly wrote to receive small and simple toys as gifts. This activity filled the room with warmth. The Christmas tree with the heartfelt wishes stood not only as a symbol of the holiday season, but a tree of hope.
Pastor Dexter Tiempo, Facility Coordinator shared a heartfelt message during the program, saying, “Christmas is not about receiving but giving. The more you give, the more blessings you will receive. You cannot love without giving.” He thanked the Tzu Chi Foundation for visiting and bringing joy to the children.
The Shepherd’s Arms Foundation head Hilda Tiempo shared that, “Our work is both rewarding and challenging, as each child comes with a different story. Some arrive in tears, others struggle through adolescence, but all are loved and treated like family. We supported them in school, celebrated their birthdays, cared for them when they’re sick, and guided them in their daily lives”. She recalled that the partnership with Tzu Chi Foundation began even before the pandemic through donations of rice, groceries, and relief supplies which the foundation is being accorded with by Tzu Chi until today. For the children residing in the orphanage, every Tzu Chi visit is a reminder that they are seen, valued, and not forgotten.
Among those who participated was Jojo (not his real name), an 18-year-old BS Psychology student who has lived in Shepherd’s Arms for almost six years. “I found a nurturing home that helped me grow spiritually, emotionally, and personally”, Jojo said. He expressed gratitude to Tzu Chi Foundation for offering programs that are not just about games but also teach meaningful values that shape the youth’s character.
Daniela (not her real name), a Grade 12 hairdressing student, has lived in the orphanage for 10 years.” I lost my mother during childbirth, and my father left, unable to accept the loss. I was raised by my grandmother until I was brought here at Shepherd’s Arms,” Daniela said. She shared how Tzu Chi Foundation inspired her, especially during a time when she was losing hope. “A Tzu Chi youth volunteer encouraged me to continue my studies, a simple act that gave me strength and courage,” she continued. Now, Daniela dreams of becoming a social worker to help others and give back to her grandmother.
Meanwhile, Tzu Chi youth Jossel Tanginan, a 22-year-old BSED Mathematics student and one of the program’s hosts, expressed her thoughts and experiences. “This was my third time joining a Tzu Chi orphanage visit. I was nervous at first, unsure how to approach children with different life experiences, but my only goal was to make them feel happy and cared for,” Jossel said. She shared how Tzu Chi’s programs helped her see both the pain and hope in the children’s lives. For her, the experience taught gratitude, compassion, and the belief that everyone is blessed in different ways.
The lessons stayed even after the visitation ended. It reminded everyone that kindness does not require wealth, only a willing heart. It became a quiet assurance that even if life began with loss, the children of Shepherd’s Arms are never forgotten. Through every smile, prayer, and handwritten wish, both visitors and children learned that true giving is not measured by the gift’s value, but by the love that comes with it.
