115 Tzu Chi Volunteers from Taiwan, Manila and Cebu and 320 Tzu Chi Youth and Scholars gathered to form a human Tzu Chi logo for the 10th year anniversary souvenir photo
Tagbilaran City, Bohol – One week after the Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines’ Bohol satellite office celebrated its 10th anniversary, the organization continues to reflect on the memorable event held at the Cogon Gymnasium last December 15, 2024. The celebration, which drew over 900 attendees, featured the enduring impact of Tzu Chi’s four core missions in the island province.
The event was graced by Tzu Chi volunteers from Manila, Cebu, and Taiwan – who have been instrumental in the province’s recovery following the devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake on October 15, 2013 by helping built 150 prefabricated classrooms in Bohol. The Tzu Chi local community volunteers, members from the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA), beneficiaries, and benefactors also filled the venue, creating an atmosphere of what seemed like a large scale family reunion.
The audience reveled in the traditional Chinese cultural presentations for a festive start, with a dynamic battle drum performance by the Tzu Chi Eye Center staff from Manila, followed by vibrant Lion and Dragon dances performed by the Pagoda Philippine Athletic Association and the Chiang Kai Shek College Lion and Dance Group.
The event’s theme, “Keeping Up with the Initial Aspiration to Spread Love in Bohol,” accentuated Tzu Chi Bohol’s relentless dedication to non-stop charitable works, disaster relief, environmental sustainability, educational assistance, community development, and housing projects over the past decade.
“Tzu Chi Foundation as a first responder during emergencies and disasters really helped us Boholanos to regain our confidence and to be back on our feet. We hope that we can continue cooperating and collaborating with Tzu Chi Foundation and we hope Tzu Chi Foundation will prosper and progress and all their efforts” – Atty. Handel Lagunay, provincial legal officer of Bohol, representing Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado.
“When the earthquake struck Bohol, we could really see how efficient, fast and how full of love you have with all your projects in housing, medical, and scholarship and it’s really appreciating that we see people who don’t even know us or not even from Bohol helping the Boholanos. You have not only helped us physically rebuild our homes, gave us new life with all the medical services that you have extended but you have embedded in our hearts, the passion of giving selflessly for others.”, said Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap, the first woman and the youngest Mayor in all of Bohol municipalities.
Summing up the past decade of Tzu Chi Bohol’s efforts was showcased through an audio-video presentation. This was followed by a live compelling performance by the 320 Tzu Chi Bohol youths and scholars of two Sutra Adaptations – Tzu Chi’s unique culture of adapting Tzu Chi Founder, Dharma Master Cheng Yen’s Buddhist teachings into an art through a musical sign language act. The Sutras depicted human afflictions such as greed, anger, and ignorance which are impurities of the mind that creates negative thoughts, speech and actions. The performances delivered a powerful message on encouraging humans to be vegetarians so as not to worsen the environmental effects of bringing more impactful disasters and calamities such as typhoons and the pandemic to the world because of abusive human activities and negative mindsets. It has been Master Cheng Yen’s fervent hope that selfish desires would be eliminated and cultivate compassion and kindness through the Dharma (Buddhist teachings) to purify people’s minds, harmonize society and free the world from disasters.
Tzu Chi volunteers from Taiwan, Cebu, and Manila formed lines for the customary meditation parade to signal the start of the red packet distribution to the event attendees.
“I am very happy to have joined the 10th Anniversary of Tzu Chi Bohol Liaison Office, it’s very touching to witness this event.” – Ambassador Carlos Chan (left) who supported Tzu Chi Bohol’s endeavors. Because of his benevolence, 200 Happy Homes were successfully built and turned-over to the elderlies mostly living alone and for those displaced by Typhoon Odette over the past two years.
Ambassador Carlos Chan receives the Tzu Chi red packet.
Ambassador Carlos Chan joins the Tzu Chi community in a prayer. His altruism and goodwill influenced other benefactors to support more of the Happy Home project. As of this writing, donations poured in to cover another 200 homes in line to benefit future recipients.
Adding to the Tzu Chi red packets, the Tzu Chi Bohol’s 10th year anniversary souvenir magazine was also given to all the attendees of the event.
Another significant part of the event was the distribution of red packets, a year-end blessing tradition for Tzu Chi across the globe. The red packets are delicately designed and made each year to represent Dharma Master Cheng Yen’s blessings and wisdom.
To close the afternoon’s tribute of Tzu Chi’s humanitarian service to the island province, candles were lit and passed on to the attendees of the event – a Tzu Chi symbol to illuminate the hearts of everyone and be a light in the darkness to every corner of the world. After which the venue echoed the Tzu Chi prayer sang by everyone in the gymnasium.
Photo on the left (from Tzu Chi Magazine Fall 2014), Tzu Chi long-time volunteer from Taiwan Bro. Chen Chin Hai (far left) taken in June 2014 during the construction of the prefabricated classrooms in Bohol and photo on the right, 10 years after. “This time coming here is truly touching. I remember coming here ten years ago, the place was devastated. But now, ten years later, I see that Bohol is peaceful and harmonious. From the beginning (of this visit), when we joined for home visits, donating computers, and Happy Home turnover, we could tell they (the people of Bohol) were shy. Especially yesterday, when we went door-to-door for fundraising, their sincerity was evident. I believe Bohol will not only thrive for the next ten years but will continue to develop and become even better.” – Bro. Chen Chin Hai, Taiwan Tzu Chi volunteer.
His smile gave it away. Ten years have passed, although hairs have turned into gray, Brother Kan Chiang Wen’s (first row standing, 6th from the left) smile remains the same. “It has been ten years since my last visit, and today, ten years later, I am truly delighted to be back. From the moment I got off the plane to now as we celebrate together, the entire journey has been incredibly heartwarming. I want to express my gratitude to the team Tzu Chi Bohol for their exceptional hospitality. Yesterday’s visit (to the beneficiaries of Tzu Chi), the meaningful interactions with them left me deeply moved.” – Bro. Kan Chiang Wen, Taiwan Tzu Chi volunteer.
“Every aspect, from the Four Missions to the Eight Formative Steps, was seamlessly connected. This deeply moved me. Seeing how all the villagers and members recognized and appreciate Tzu Chi because of its contributions to the local community.” – Sister Charlene Chang, Taiwan Tzu Chi volunteer
“I feel fortunate to be here in Bohol. What has touched me most, especially today, is seeing so many children. I personally come from the home visitation group, and yesterday I had the chance to accompany the local team. This experience has inspired me to work even harder when I return to Taiwan.” – Sister Chou Shui Hsien, Taiwan Tzu Chi volunteer
As the Tzu Chi Bohol community looks back on this auspicious celebration, the spirit of Tzu Chi’s mission to spread love and compassion will continue to inspire and uplift the sufferings of the people of Bohol.
“Today marks the 10th anniversary of Tzu Chi Bohol. We are deeply grateful to Master Cheng Yen for the inspiration from a single phrase of “Do not forget Bohol”. With prayers and dedication, Tzu Chi Bohol family has worked step by step to make the Four Missions flourish. We hope that today’s presentation reflects our gratitude and is a form of giving back to the Master. Please rest assured that the Tzu Chi Bohol team will strive forward into the next ten years. We also hope everyone will continue to do the Tzu Chi Four Missions diligently.” – Brother James Chua, Tzu Chi Bohol Coordinator and Deputy CEO, Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines.
