“I am pleased to inform you that the projects we (Tzu Chi) have undertaken in other towns will also be done here in Getafe. We will carry out the housing project and also organize a dental mission and other activities that we have introduced in other towns to Getafe,” Brother Joven Uy, Deputy Coordinator of Tzu Chi Bohol announced during his opening remarks at the Tzu Chi Year-End Blessing event held last January 21, 2024 at the Getafe Cultural Center.
Earlier that day, while the venue for the year-end blessing event is being set up by a group of Tzu Chi Volunteers, another group of volunteers mostly from Manila along with local volunteers from Getafe set out in the morning to conduct charity home visitation and assessment to several would-be beneficiaries of the Tzu Chi Happy Home project.
The Municipality of Getafe is about more than a ninety (90) kilometer drive from the province’s city center cruising through hilly and mountainous thoroughfares. But behind its tranquil and beautiful scenery lies suffering and despair for some of the people residing in the town. The Tzu Chi volunteers discovered elderly people living alone on shanties and were abandoned living on mountaintops. An expatriate from Myanmar and a staunch supporter of Tzu Chi Bohol, Brother Jiang Ja Fa had arranged his one day to fly in and fly out of Bohol in an earnest effort to not miss out the opportunity to join these activities.
“The schedule was a bit tight, but I am happy. Aside from participating in the Year End Blessings event, a home visitation trip was also planned. Tzu Chi volunteers seized the opportunity to strive for goodness, working tirelessly together under the sweltering sun. Their collective efforts aim to provide a better and more comfortable living environment for the less fortunate. Observing everyone working so diligently, I am touched. I’ve not only learned a lot but also feel grateful to everyone for giving me the chance to learn”, Brother Jiang Ja Fa shared.
In the afternoon, the Tzu Chi Volunteers went back just in time to grace the Year-End Blessing occasion. More than 1,047 individuals flocked and filled the venue for an afternoon of sharing of life-changing experiences, showcasing Tzu Chi Humanistic culture and this goes without further saying that the event is never complete without the momentous receiving of Master Cheng Yen’s blessings by the bestowing of Tzu Chi red packets and souvenirs.
Necefina Torreon was a medical assistance recipient for her ailing child and expressed her gratitude for aiding in her child’s radiation treatment. She did not expect the love Tzu Chi has extended to her went beyond what she sought help for as she received an additional cash aid for the repair of her home which was destroyed by a previous typhoon. Tzu Chi Bohol’s Social Services Head, Brother Joseph Co was sharing the stage with her and followed through saying, “A single and sincere help has the immense power to genuinely alleviate and transform someone’s life” as Necefina, realizing her blessings is now paying it forward by becoming a donating member of the Tzu Chi Foundation.
Brother Jimmy Chua, the mover of the Happy Home Project tells the audience that through the help of the local volunteers, Tzu Chi have already instigated the project in the Town of Getafe. Cipriana Jimenez had the opportunity to share her experience in volunteering with Tzu Chi to the attendees, “Almost 90 percent of houses were destroyed during Typhoon Odette, particularly in Getafe. Fortunately, Tzu Chi arrived, making it easier for us to receive assistance. Earlier, we conducted (several) home visits in the countryside and went to those in need. I volunteered because it greatly helped the island and significantly impacted my life.”
The event ended with a euphoric mood to everyone as the Deputy CEO and Tzu Chi Bohol Coordinator, Brother James Chua, delivered a heavily worded speech that echoed the venue, “I hold onto Master (Cheng Yen’s) words, reminding us not to forget Bohol. She desires for Bohol to rise again and cultivate within its people the seeds of love and kindness. Tzu Chi is the sole advocate of the value of goodness to humanity, sowing seeds of love and kindness far and wide. Giving limitless opportunities for people and instilling in them the essence of generating good karma.”
