Second Humanity Class Inspires Scholars to Make a Difference

Great lessons in life are not always found within four walls; they are often discovered in moments of sharing, kindness, and compassion. This spirit filled the Tzu Chi Foundation Bohol Liaison Office Activity Hall in Tagbilaran City on September 20–21, 2025, when 274 scholars gathered for the second Humanity Class of the school year. The event was conducted in batches over two days, since the venue could not hold all the participants at once, with 141 scholars attending on Saturday and 133 on Sunday. Despite the split schedule, the energy, warmth, and meaningful connections among the scholars were undeniable.

Tzu Chi Bohol Deputy Coordinator Brother Joven Uy opened the morning session by presenting the month’s calendar of activities and sharing inspiring stories of Tzu Chi’s compassionate works. Highlighting the computer room built especially for the scholars at the Tzu Chi office to assist them with research and schoolwork, particularly for those who do not have a personal computer, laptop, or internet access at home. “We built this computer room for you scholars to support your academic work, so maximize it,” he added.

The first morning session featured a virtual talk by Tzu Chi volunteer Sister Carolina Uy, who spoke about living with compassion through doing good deeds in everyday life. She shared inspiring stories, including The Pure Land that Surpasses Heaven and the resilience of the Longshen community—leprosy patients who, despite physical challenges and societal discrimination, found purpose by crafting lotus flowers, symbols of purity, enlightenment, and the potential for transformation, to donate. Despite their circumstances, they aspired to cultivate these virtues within themselves and share them with others. Their determination to spread kindness rather than despair served as a powerful reminder to the scholars that even amid suffering, one can choose to inspire hope in others.

Sister Carolina further emphasized the message of compassion by introducing the “Seven Kinds of Giving That Cost No Money,” reminding scholars that true compassion does not require wealth; simple gestures such as a smile, showing respect, or offering words of encouragement can already lighten someone’s burden.

This lesson deeply resonated with scholar Kathleen Kaye Legaspi, a 4th-year BSIT student at BISU Balilihan and member of the TCCYA Balilihan Chapter. Kathleen helped organize a booth during the recently concluded school intramurals last September 10 to 12, 2025, where students exchanged plastic bottles for school supplies and donated clothes to orphans. ‘While receiving those donations, I felt truly happy, as if I were the one being given the clothes, knowing that the children who will receive them would also be happy,’ she recalled. ‘Helping others is my way of giving back to Tzu Chi for supporting me as a scholar.’

To keep the scholars engaged and energized during sessions, alumni scholars Rossanna Tagupa and Leah Jane Lantaco led a moving sign language performance of “The Face of Happiness.” The song conveyed that happiness is not found in material things or endless desires, but in simplicity, gratitude, kindness, and the joy we share with others.

The morning session also featured Tzu Chi volunteer Sister Jacqueline Ong, who shared her knowledge virtually on documenting Tzu Chi’s Truth, Goodness, and Beauty by sharing basic lessons on photography, videography, and truthful journalism in Tzu Chi’s perspective, capturing the interest of Mary Mae Echavez, a 4th-year BS Psychology student at BISU Main Campus and former editor-in-chief in high school. Mary Mae was delighted as the session aligned with her interests. ‘Photography is not just about capturing moments; it’s about telling stories,’ she reflected. She added that the techniques discussed by Sr. Jacq, reminded her that photographs have the power to bring life and meaning, telling stories beyond words.

In the afternoon session, Brother Mulric Sarmiento, a Tzu Chi training commissioner in Cebu and assisting to coordinate Tzu Chi Bohol’s Educational Assistance Program, has been serving Tzu Chi for 13 years. He discussed the basics of project planning and guided the scholars through a group activity. He expressed how heartwarming it was to share his knowledge, saying, “I am very happy to impart a portion of what I know to the scholars. It is always a pleasure to volunteer here in Bohol despite the distance, because I want to contribute to the growth of our scholars and help prepare them for their future projects.”

For scholar Christian John Mar from Corella, Bohol, 3rd year taking BS Information Technology at BISU Balilihan, his session was eye-opening. “What I’ve learned from that session is that even if we have many great plans, their value ultimately depends on how well we execute them. A plan can be excellent, but proper execution is what truly makes it effective,” he shared.

Fernando Renopal Jr., a first-year BS Information Systems student at Tagbilaran City College from Maribojoc, also attended the humanity class on the second day despite his condition. Fernando benefitted from Tzu Chi’s medical assistance program back in September 2020 due to Hirschsprung disease and underwent pull-through surgery. He expressed his gratitude for Tzu Chi’s consistent support, ‘I am thankful because they helped me even during my difficult situation, and I am also grateful to be included as one of their scholars. He recalled how Tzu Chi provided him with a laptop, food, and vitamins, even after a complicated surgery which still left him with a slowly healing colostomy wound in his abdomen, making it difficult for him to fully recover until now. ‘Even then, Tzu Chi did not abandon me and continued to support me,’ he added. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “Despite the challenges, I still go to school. I change my clothes, change the dressing of my stomach, and do my best to continue and to keep up with my studies.”

Stories like Fernando’s highlighted the true essence of the Humanity Class. After two days of learning and reflection, the scholars were reminded that education is not just about academics but about cultivating compassion. Through small acts of kindness, storytelling, and careful planning, they learned that real success comes from the love, gratitude, and help we offer to others.