Loon, Bohol- During the afternoon session of Day 2 of the Tzu Chi Youth Life Camp on July 12, 2025, at the Carmelite Learning Center in Tontonan, Loon, Bohol, volunteers from the Tzu Chi Foundation, led by Bro. Alfredo Li, CEO of Tzu Chi Eye Center in Manila, delivered an inspiring talk titled “Wings of Compassion: Nurture, Share, and Soar.”
Bro. Alfredo stressed the importance of education over early employment and reminded campers that the future is shaped by present actions. He discussed four types of education: formal education, family education, environmental education, and choice of association with other people – urging the youth campers to embrace both academic learning and life values. A video of a child choosing a book over a block of cement was shown to represent the importance of choosing knowledge and opportunity over hard labor.
Brother Gan Qing Wen, Tzu Chi commissioner from Taiwan, shared how Tzu Chi’s mission in Bohol began after the 2013 Bohol earthquake where he, along with his team spearheaded the building of the pre-fabricated school classrooms around Bohol and went on to helping with the relief efforts during the Typhoon Yolanda aftermath in Leyte, evolving from disaster relief to long-term rebuilding. “This year, 50 more Happy Homes were built through the generosity of Master Cheng Yen and the commissioners from Taiwan,” he proudly said. “I bring with me the great love of Master Cheng Yen to share with all of you.” He recalled how the late Brother Michael Siao’s compassion inspired many to give and serve. “Because of Bro. Michael’s love, others were moved to do the same,” he added. He encouraged the youth to study well and carry forward the love planted in Bohol to help others too in the future.
Beyond the housing project, Tzu Chi commissioners from Taiwan brought into the province of Bohol, donations including hospital beds, wheelchairs, and 200 refurbished computers from Taiwan. More medical supplies, including 30 hospital beds, are set to arrive.
The talk deeply resonated with the campers, especially Ken Rainier Polestico, a BS Entrepreneurship student from BISU Main Campus. He shared how Tzu Chi’s scholarship enabled him to continue his studies despite financial struggles. Grateful for the support he received, he aspires to give back by volunteering in initiatives like the Happy Home Project and other Tzu Chi volunteer works. His story echoed the session’s message that today’s beneficiaries can become tomorrow’s givers.
Brother Joe Chen, a Tzu Chi volunteer in Taiwan, who initiated the refurbishment and upgrading of used computers in Taiwan and sent them to Bohol and other countries, said he continues to help Bohol and shared the importance of continuing education and available opportunities for students who wish to study in Taiwan, such as nursing, caregiver training, and hospital management.
The session ended with a heartfelt message to the youth campers to study well, to carry the spirit of compassion forward, and to grow into the next generation of those who serve.
