Tzu Chi Foundation was founded by Dharma Master Cheng Yen, a Taiwanese Buddhist nun, who encountered so many challenges at a young age which led her to Buddhist Monasticism with a vow to work for Buddhism and for the good of all living sentients. With over 10 million members worldwide, it is one of the largest humanitarian organizations in the world.
Last November 8, 2019, I was invited to be a part in the 25th anniversary of the Tzu Chi Foundation in the Philippines.
The afternoon was composed of four parts: Taiwanese Street Food Market, Tour of the Eye Center, Tour of the Livelihood Center, and the book launch of Ms. Ayla Honasan's, "A Mission of Love."
Out of the food I had that afternoon, this was the most intriguing one. I expected it to be milk/ milk tea shaved ice but it's taho flavor shaved ice. I want to know where else can I get this. lol
The portrait on the wall is Dharma Master Cheng Yen.
Tzu Chi holds medical missions regularly to give free medical operations and surgeries to patients who have cataracts and other illness that needs surgical assistance.
They don't ask for payment but the facilities and machines are at par with those from the private hospitals.
I am a Roman Catholic but I am also interested in Buddhism which explains all the Temples I've visited and posted about in this blog. I appreciated how they emphasize that the foundation doesn't discriminate other people's beliefs. It encompasses all religion and recipients of the help are not required to convert to Buddhism. Still, I believe that learning more about Buddhism no matter what religion we're practicing is not a bad idea. After all, it serves to provide a proper direction and guidance to life.
We went up to the third floor in time for the releasing of the free eye glasses to these students.
Next was the Livelihood Center.
They offer classes/short courses on Caregiving, Dressmaking/Sewing, Welding; Aircon & Refrigeration Repair. This program helps participants to acquire the needed skill and education so they can become income earners within a short period of time.
They offer classes/short courses on Caregiving, Dressmaking/Sewing, Welding; Aircon & Refrigeration Repair. This program helps participants to acquire the needed skill and education so they can become income earners within a short period of time.
Welding/ Machines
Sewing
Caregiving
After the tour of the center, we went back to the main building for the book launch.
Ms. Ayla Honasan gave us a brief background of the book, "Mission of Love"
Tzu Chi Foundation’s “Four Major Missions” consist of Charity, Medicine, Education, and Humanity.
To know more about Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines and its activities, follow these social media pages:
Interested volunteers or donors may contact the following numbers: (632) 8732-0001 and (632) 8732-0002
Location: Tzu Chi Great Love Campus, Sta. Mesa, Manila.
Location: Tzu Chi Great Love Campus, Sta. Mesa, Manila.
