July 7, 2026
199 stories of hope at the 2026 Tzu Chi Scholars’ Camp
By Joy Rojas
Everyone has a story to tell, as the old saying goes, and at the 2026 Tzu Chi Scholars’ Camp, there was no shortage of opportunities for the 199 scholars from Pampanga, Bicol, Leyte, Cebu, Davao, Zamboanga, and the National Capital Region to share and listen to personal narratives of struggle, heartbreak, hope, and gratitude.
Interactive and engaging, the activities at the June 3-5 event held at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila, revolved around the camp theme “Stories of Light: Let Your Heart Shine Bright.”
In “Book of Life Chapter 1: Creating Dreams,” scholars wrote their expectations of the camp in colorful Post-it notes that they stuck on a large board shaped like an open book. Scholars from Tzu Chi’s different chapters took to the floor in a segment called “Power of Youth” to present how they put the foundation’s principles of compassion and relief into action. Many could not hold back their tears as they poured out their feelings in letters to their parents in “Filial Piety,” a talk led this year by Tzu Chi volunteer Cherrie Rose Ang. A camp favorite, “Starry, Starry Night” allowed scholars to reveal their innermost thoughts in a safe, candle-lit circle of peers and group leaders.
Scholars listened intently too to guest speakers and their unique origin stories. “A Scholars’ Experience” gathered scholar alumni Gwen Loyao, Arabella Nicole Monterola, Jhoy Sarmiento, and Jamil Carvajal for a discussion on how a Tzu Chi scholarship changed the course of their lives and encouraged them to volunteer as a way of giving back. In “Human Library,” longtime Tzu Chi volunteers Johnny Kwok, Harvey Yap, Rosa So, and Peggy Sy Jiang reflected on their early years with the foundation and why they stay to this day.
The back stories behind the making of the camp are just as compelling. Tzu Chi Charity Department’s Clarence Suerte, who handled this year’s camp together with Charity Department Head Mine Heart Tantoy, says planning for the 2026 Scholars’ Camp began even before the start of the year, when they informed their counterparts from the different chapters about the camp’s July schedule. With the early heads-up, provincial volunteers had enough time to secure funding for transportation fare.
“If I’m not mistaken, Davao was the first to book in the first quarter of 2026,” said Suerte.
Flying in a large group of scholars to Manila is no mean feat, particularly for Tzu Chi chapters with a limited budget. As such, volunteers do what they can to facilitate scholars’ participation in the camp.
Funds allocated by the Manila office were used to bring in the contingent from Leyte—eight third-year-college scholars from Tacloban, a city 30 minutes away from Palo.
“They were curious and interested in the practices and values of Tzu Chi Foundation. They are willing to learn and excited to know more about Tzu Chi,” said Tzu Chi Palo Project Assistant Natasha Roxanne Dayata of the all-Tacloban group. The former Tzu Chi scholar filled them in on what to expect—from sharing personal stories and engaging in friendly competition to observing the unique practices of Tzu Chi. “I’m happy our scholars accept these kinds of challenges.”
Chosen as early as December 2025, Tzu Chi Zamboanga’s 15 scholars fundraised to cover a portion of their travel expenses. “They relied on their skills and creativity,” said Lixiel Bayron Bacayo, social worker officer of Tzu Chi Zamboanga, who guided the scholars in their initiatives. “They made paintings, mixed and sold dishwashing liquid, and crafted bouquets out of fuzzy wire. The materials were purchased using money scholars set aside from their monthly allowance.”
Although Tzu Chi scholars typically depend on the kindness and generosity of donors and volunteers, Bacayo is training these youngsters to be empowered and self-sufficient. “When they make a program, I want them to be able to sustain even a part of it,” she said. “At least they know what it’s like to source for money for their needs.”
For the scholars, it was all worth it. Besides camp, many looked forward to their first-ever plane ride. Both Dayata and Bacayo have photos of scholars appearing nervous during takeoff and touchdown, holding tightly to the armrests of their seats, and looking relieved and grateful once they safely landed.
It’s one of many stories they’ll be telling and retelling family and friends back home in the days, weeks, and months to come.
“We are happy to give them that experience, the kind that can’t be replaced with money,” said Bacayo.
“My vision for scholars is to expose them to things that are new and inspiring,” said Dayata. “Once something inside us [tells us] that we can dream big, our standard in life will change, and we will aim for something more, bigger, and better.”
The 2026 Tzu Chi Scholars’ Camp saw the participation of scholars from Leyte (9), Cebu (11), Zamboanga (15), Pampanga (19), Davao (20), Bicol (26), and the National Capital Region (99).
First stop before the camp: Bahay Tsinoy in Intramuros, a museum of Chinese in Philippine life.
In Bahay Tsinoy, scholars pose next to a display depicting Tzu Chi Foundation’s contributions in disaster relief.
Lifesize dioramas capturing the history of Chinese in the Philippines were among the attractions at Bahay Tsinoy.
The 2026 Tzu Chi Scholars’ Camp commenced with a short message from camp head Heart Baquilar. “Every single one of you brings a unique spark, a distinct background, and a powerful story to share. Remember that you are the author of your future and the pages are waiting to be written.”
In “Book of Life Chapter 1: Creating Dreams,” scholars write their expectations of the camp in colorful Post-it notes that they stuck on a large board shaped like an open book.
In “Book of Life Chapter 1: Creating Dreams,” scholars write their expectations of the camp in colorful Post-it notes that they stuck on a large board shaped like an open book.
A board shaped like an open book carries scholars’ handwritten expectations of the three-day camp.
Scholars work together to create a distinct banner for their group.
Many groups designed their banner with colorful handprints.
Many groups designed their banner with colorful handprints.
In “Starry, Starry Night,” scholars take turns answering guide questions about their future and promises to themselves.
The dark and intimate setting of “Starry, Starry Night” encourages scholars to open up about their innermost thoughts.
Scholars go over the questions prepared for “Starry, Starry Night,” a favorite activity among campers.
Part tour, part friendly competition, “Amazing Race” promotes teamwork through challenges set around the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus. Here by the Wooden Cabin, scholars play “Pass the Message.”
In another “Amazing Race” challenge, scholars identify recycled and upcycled details inside the Tzu Chi Café.
Group leaders and their respective scholars line dance their way to the next “Amazing Race” challenge.
In between challenges, teams squeezed in a fun group shot.
In between challenges, teams squeezed in a fun group shot.
Camp head Heart Baquilar (in white pants) and scholar-volunteers from the different camp committees gather for a video message.
Tzu Chi kitchen staffer Jhay-Ar Ilo (right) teaches scholars how to cook ginataang kalabasa (squash in coconut milk), eggplant with plant-based giniling (ground textured vegetable protein), and a salad of green mango, singkamas (jicama), and tomato.
Scholars savor the aroma of their squash in coconut milk.
Tears are a given in every talk on “Filial Piety.” The activity reminds scholars to appreciate their parents even if they can be strict or demanding.
Tears are a given in every talk on “Filial Piety.” The activity reminds scholars to appreciate their parents even if they can be strict or demanding.
Tzu Chi Zamboanga scholar Carll Maverick Salac gets a hug from a volunteer during a particularly emotional moment in “Filial Piety.”
They thought they were going to be reprimanded. Instead, scholars born in June and July got cakes and donuts.
They thought they were going to be reprimanded. Instead, scholars born in June and July got cakes and donuts.
Leandro Peter Joshua Taton presents a cake to Rosa So, head volunteer for the educational and medical assistance programs and a July celebrant, as camp head Heart Baquilar looks on.
From dances to songs and skits, scholars perform for volunteers at Gratitude Night.
From dances to songs and skits, scholars perform for volunteers at Gratitude Night.
From dances to songs and skits, scholars perform for volunteers at Gratitude Night.
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez (fourth from left) enjoys scholars’ entertaining performances.
Sporting Tzu Chi volunteer vests, James Nathaniel Refugio, Gabriel Rafael Viray, and Aron Sedrick Caminong of Tzu Chi International Youth Leadership Program (IYLP) discuss Sustainable Development Goals with scholars.
Tzu Chi volunteer Lineth Brondial leads a discussion on “Environmental Protection: Future Imagined.”
PhilSEED co-founder Josh Mahinay talked about his early struggles in life and how he overcame them in the talk “Finding the Leader in You.”
Pong Tee engaged scholars in a spirited discussion on “Mental Health: How to Address Burnout and Build One’s Self-Care System, Healthier Boundaries, and Coping Mechanisms.”
(From left) Longtime Tzu Chi volunteers Johnny Kwok, Harvey Yap, Rosa So, and Peggy Sy Jiang recall their early days with Tzu Chi in the segment “Human Library,” moderated by Cherrie Rose Ang.
Camp regular Ronnie Motilla, PhD, returns to give the talk “Mental Health: Developing a Healthy Mindset in Life (Growth, Grit, and Resiliency).”
(From left) Tzu Chi Deputy CEO Peggy Sy Jiang, Metrobank’s Maridol Siapuatco, SM’s Darwin Soriano, and Rosa So, head volunteer for the educational and medical assistance programs, pose for photo after the talk “Mapping Career Destinations and Navigating Life After College.”
(From left) Tzu Chi Charity Department’s Clarence Suerte, scholar alumni Gwen Loyao, Arabella Nicole Monterola, Jhoy Sarmiento, Jamil Carvajal, and Rosa So, head volunteer for the educational and medical assistance programs are all smiles after a sharing on the scholar experience.
Scholars start the day bright and early with exercise.
Scholars start the day bright and early with exercise.
Scholars show off their banners, one of many great camp souvenirs.
Scholars show off their banners, one of many great camp souvenirs.
Scholars show off their banners, one of many great camp souvenirs.
Scholars show off their banners, one of many great camp souvenirs.
Scholars show off their banners, one of many great camp souvenirs.