People from Tzu Chi’s community in Inabanga, a town in Bohol, were filled with happiness and kindness following the Tzu Chi Foundation’s New Year Blessing on February 25, 2024, at the Inabanga Gym. A total of 533 individuals attended, witnessing the impact of doing good deeds and how it brings blessings in return.
“Our aim is sincere: to altruistically serve humanity, prioritizing selfless giving and emphasizing the importance of compassionate service to people. We believe in the principle of Karma, where sowing seeds of goodness leads to the fruition of goodness in return,” Brother James Chua, Deputy CEO of the Tzu Chi Foundation, expressed Tzu Chi’s genuine goal during his opening remarks.
“Today, I’m amazed by our community’s ongoing generosity, showing the lasting effect of their kindness. They embody the values of Charity, Education, Medicine, and Humanistic Culture. Instead of just giving material help, let’s embrace their teachings and spread these principles. By doing so, we can let kindness and compassion guide our actions towards others,” Honourable Vice Mayor Roygie Jumamoy stated.
At the event, volunteers from Manila joined hands with locals to spread happiness and assist people. They provided housing, scholarships, and medical help, showing the importance of being selfless and kind, which is what Dharma Master Cheng Yen teaches.
“Every day at Tzu Chi Bohol, we encounter continuous medical cases, and I’ve noticed that the patients are appreciative of the assistance provided by Tzu Chi Bohol. Hopefully, the gratitude expressed by the patients will inspire them to give back to society, spreading kindness and good deeds in return,” Brother Joseph Co, Tzu Chi Bohol’s Medical Head stated.
Meriam Madrazo, a medical beneficiary of Tzu Chi Bohol in Inabanga, was born with cataracts in both eyes. Inspired by Tzu Chi’s kindness in their community, her family now donates monthly to the foundation, ranging from 200 to 500 pesos, to help others in need. Their selfless contributions embody Dharma Master Cheng Yen’s philosophy of good karma. Through their generosity, they’ve been blessed with positive karma, and Tzu Chi has become a source of relief for Meriam’s suffering.
“I express my gratitude to the Tzu Chi Foundation for providing me with the opportunity to receive assistance for my current condition. Now, I can see people’s faces, so I urge everyone needing help to turn to the Tzu Chi Foundation because they are willing to assist you. Before, I was extremely hopeless because of my severely impaired vision, feeling like I had no future. Now, I can attend high school. I am deeply thankful to the Tzu Chi Foundation for their help,” Meriam Madrazo, a patient with a squint who has received medical assistance from Tzu Chi stated.
Witnessing the outpouring of kindness and generosity, it became evident that the community of Inabanga has been deeply touched by the spirit of good karma. Many shared stories of how their acts of kindness towards others had come full circle, bringing unexpected blessings and joy into their lives.
“Being part of Tzu Chi fulfilled a long-held aspiration as I found joy in assisting others. I felt like an instrument of God in extending help to others. I urge everyone to continue spreading love by contributing even a small amount to the coin bank, as long as it comes from the heart. Every little bit counts, as long as it’s consistent. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to volunteer,” Regine Escabusa, a local volunteer from Inabanga stated. “I am very blessed to go to Taiwan for free because of my compassion to help others, it is because I am planting good karma,” she added.
As the New Year Blessing event ended, the air was filled with gratitude and hope for the future. Through their collective efforts, the people of Inabanga had not only received blessings but had also become a bridge in spreading kindness and goodwill throughout their community.
“Because of what I witnessed today, seeing many people being helped by Tzu Chi Bohol, I feel inspired to start putting money in the coin bank to help others in need. It brings me joy knowing that we can share our blessings with those who need assistance,” Avelina Añasco, mother of Clyen Añasco a medical beneficiary of Tzu Chi Bohol.
By embodying Master Cheng Yen’s philosophy of selfless giving and compassionate service, individuals can create a ripple effect of positivity that reverberates far beyond their immediate surroundings, enriching the lives of all they touch.
