July 9, 2026
172 Tzu Chi scholars graduate, 87 with Latin honors
By Joy Rojas
Little is asked of economically challenged students who apply for a scholarship under Tzu Chi Philippines’s Educational Assistance Program. Apart from a general weighted average of 2.25 or 82 percent, they must at least be on their second year, enrolled in a state university or partner college.
Yet at each Tzu Chi scholars’ camp, when symbolic rites are held for the batch of graduating scholars, many do not fail to go above and beyond what is expected of them.
At the recently concluded 2026 Tzu Chi Scholars’ Camp from July 3 to 5, 87 of the 172 scholars are graduating from their respective colleges and universities with Latin honors and special awards.
From the National Capital Region, 29 of the 71 graduating scholars will claim Latin honors. In Bicol, 16 of the 28 graduating scholars will receive Latin honors. In Pampanga, Latin honors will go to three of the 14 graduating scholars. In Iloilo, 17 of the 20 graduating scholars will be recognized with Latin honors. In Davao, Latin honors will go to 11 of the 14 graduating scholars. In Palo, seven of the eight graduating scholars will accept Latin honors. Latin honors will also be presented to four of the 17 graduating scholars in Cebu.
Carlito Aguilar Jr., who finished his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, is this batch’s lone summa cum laude.
In his speech before fellow scholars, Tzu Chi volunteers, and supportive donors, he recalled the hardships of his taxi driver father, and now his older brother, to make ends. To ease their burden, he considered stopping school so he could work and save money to fund his studies.
Then his application for a Tzu Chi scholarship was approved.
“The gleaming torch that ignited the fire within my heart to never give up on my dreams and studies,” was how he described the foundation. “What I appreciate the most about Tzu Chi is that they don't just support us financially, but they also nurture us spiritually and morally. In our Humanity classes, the foundation ensures that we carry Tzu Chi etiquette and Dharma Master Cheng Yen's teachings wherever we go, whether inside or outside the foundation.
“Tzu Chi made us understand that compassion always requires action, and volunteering doesn't have to be extravagant.”
Abigail See shares Aguilar’s sentiments. As treasurer of John and Mary Kaw Charitable Foundation, Inc., an organization named after her father and mother, she continues her parents’ legacy of giving back.
“The greatest value of a scholarship is not the money; it is the responsibility that comes with it,” said See. “One day, your grades will become memories, your certificates will gather dust, your medals may fade, but the character you build, the kindness you show, and the lives you touch because someone once believed in you—those are the things that last.
“Behind every scholarship recipient is a story of resilience that often goes unseen. Behind every scholarship is someone who chose generosity over keeping more for themselves.”
As the camp winded down, Rosa So left scholars with this simple request, a fitting one after years of being on the receiving end of volunteers’ and donors’ benevolence.
“We are not asking you to repay us,” said So, head volunteer for the educational and medical assistance programs. “We are asking you to be a volunteer to help the future children who are also like you, in need of help. Who is coming back to volunteer?”
Scholars’ hands shoot up and the room erupts in clapping and cheers.
With that commitment, the cycle of kindness and compassion at Tzu Chi continues.
The 2026 Tzu Chi Scholars’ Camp recognizes 172 graduating scholars in a symbolic ceremony.
Tzu Chi volunteer Kinlon Fan (left) and Tzu Chi Youth’s Wilbert Bryanson Wu host the graduation program.
Carlito Aguilar Jr., the batch’s lone summa cum laude, delivers a speech before Tzu Chi scholars, volunteers, and donors.
Graduating scholars prepare to go on stage to receive their certificate.
Camp Head Heart Baquilar leads scholars in a Scholars’ Pledge.
Scholars recite Tzu Chi’s Scholars’ Pledge in unison.
In a show of appreciation, scholars present donors like Anvil Business Club President William Lim Jr. with a handmade craft and letter of gratitude.
Anvil Business Club’s Director Allan Chingcuanco, Dom Lim, Harold Cua, Herbert Cua, and Director Jeremiah Tomas read scholars’ letters of gratitude to donors.
Tzu Chi is grateful for the support of its donors and partner organizations.
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez announces cash incentives for scholars who graduate with Latin honors. Cum laude graduates will each receive P3,000; magna cum laude graduates will get P5,000 each; and the lone summa cum laude will receive P10,000.
(From left) Patrick John Bautista, Mira Pondol, Imery Onida, Emmanuel Jericho Faigal, and McJones Cunanan were the scholars who accumulated the most hours of community service.
“Behind every scholarship recipient is a story of resilience that often goes unseen. Behind every scholarship is someone who chose generosity over keeping more for themselves,” said Abigail See of the John and Mary Kaw Charitable Foundation, Inc.
Regan Industrial Sales, Inc. CEO Regan Sy (second from left) participates in presenting scholars with their certificates. He is joined by Tzu Chi Pampanga volunteer Pansy Ho (left) and Rosa So, head volunteer for the educational and medical assistance programs (right).
Regan Industrial Sales, Inc. CEO Regan Sy (second from left) participates in presenting scholars with their certificates. He is joined by Tzu Chi Pampanga volunteer Pansy Ho (left) and Rosa So, head volunteer for the educational and medical assistance programs (right).
Regan Industrial Sales, Inc. CEO Regan Sy (second from left) participates in presenting scholars with their certificates. He is joined by Tzu Chi Pampanga volunteer Pansy Ho (left) and Rosa So, head volunteer for the educational and medical assistance programs (right).
Abigail See of the John and Mary Kaw Charitable Foundation, Inc. (left) joins Tzu Chi Davao Deputy OIC Mei Yuen in presenting graduating scholars with their certificate.
Abigail See of the John and Mary Kaw Charitable Foundation, Inc. (left) joins Tzu Chi Davao Deputy OIC Mei Yuen in presenting graduating scholars with their certificate.
Abigail See of the John and Mary Kaw Charitable Foundation, Inc. (left) joins Tzu Chi Davao Deputy OIC Mei Yuen in presenting graduating scholars with their certificate.
Scholars signify their commitment to return to Tzu Chi and volunteer after graduating.
In what has become a tradition in scholars’ camps, Camp Head Heart Baquilar leads fellow scholars in the spirited line dance for “Pulling the Ox Cart,” a song about achieving great things through dedication and teamwork.