May 19, 2025
26 Tzu Chi preschoolers feted in third Moving-Up Ceremony
By Joy Rojas
When Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines first opened its doors during the pandemic in 2022, it had a lot to prove. Foremost was gaining the trust of parents, who were admittedly hesitant to enroll their children in a new school that inculcated the teachings of Buddhist nun Dharma Master Cheng Yen.
In time, these parents would appreciate such universal lessons and their positive effects on their little boys and girls. At the third Moving-Up Ceremony for 15 nursery and 11 pre-kindergarten students on May 17 at the Jing Si Auditorium of Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila, many declared that choosing Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines was the best decision they made for their kids.
Now 5, Naiya Lexine Ngo blossomed from a quiet 2-year-old to a confident little girl with a keen awareness of her surroundings. At home, she reminds Mom Nikki to conserve water by controlling the faucet pressure to make water flow as thin as a chopstick. She also told her parents about a devastating “earthshake” abroad, and how she wanted to donate the contents of her coin can to help children affected by the disaster. “Everything that Naiya needed to learn was taught to her by her teachers. They exceeded our expectations,” said Nikki.
Like Naiya, Harper Tan developed a sense of compassion through the preschool. When a fly entered her home, her parents instinctively tried to swat it. “But Harper was like, ‘Why do you have to kill it? Can’t you just turn it into a pet?’” said mom Sheena. “She’s become more sensitive about everything.”
Originally enrolled in another school until her parents decided to try Tzu Chi’s preschool, Harper begins each morning by hugging Mom and Dad, and expressing her love and gratitude towards them. “It's very basic,” said Sheena, “but you don't find any other school teaching simple things like that.”
Nancy Uy's chief concern about her son Gavin was that he would grow hungry in a preschool that practiced vegetarianism. Three years later, the picky eater is not only enjoying oatmeal and munggo, he’s become more sociable and respectful to those around him. Nancy laughs as she shares how her 4-year-old is “busy protecting the Earth” with his classmates. At home, the typically naughty Gavin never fails to asks helpers if they’ve eaten, and to thank his mom and grandmother for cooking delicious meals.
“I didn’t realize the values taught at Tzu Chi are my values too,” she said. “As parents, we tend to forget our values. But the school reminds our children, and our children remind us [of what’s important in life]. I think it’s a wake-up call for us.”
“Teachers, thank you so much for being so kind and patient with him, for giving him love, and for believing in him, because sometimes I don't believe in him,” she sobbed. “Thank you for bringing out the best in him.”
Herself emotional in her third Moving-Up Ceremony, Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines Directress Jane Sy credits the support of teachers, school administrators, teacher aides, and Tzu Chi volunteers for helping mold youngsters into kind, well-behaved individuals.
“I also give credit to the parents,” she said. “Education is a partnership between the school, teachers, and family. If there’s no follow-up at home, the learning stops at school.”
That’s Nancy’s mission as Gavin leaves Tzu Chi to attend big school. “Without [Tzu Chi], you would not be who you are today,” is what she will constantly remind him. “When you grow up, I hope you always look back. Thank your teachers for everything they did for you and bring this gratitude with you whenever you go. And one day, when you have the ability to give back, give back.”
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez leads commissioners in the red-carpet entrance to Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines’ third Moving-Up Ceremony.
Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines Directress Jane Sy credits the support of teachers, school administrators, teacher aides, Tzu Chi volunteers, and parents for helping mold youngsters into kind and compassionate children.
(From left) Assistant teacher for nursery Marian Carpo, pre-kindergarten lead teacher MJ Seno, preschool directress Jane Sy, nursery teacher Mary Ann Rodriguez, and Chinese teacher Beniliza Polican serve as second family to Tzu Chi’s preschool students.
(From left) Nursery and pre-kindergarten aides Ate Romela Castillo, Ate Analiza Apuyan Sibayan, and Ate Teresa Mina assist teachers in looking after the students.
Fifteen nursery students (front row) and 11 pre-kindergarten students (back row) were recognized at the Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines’ third Moving-Up Ceremony.
Nancy Uy (third from left) poses with son Gavin as he receives his moving-up certificate from Tzu Chi commissioners.
Naiya Lexine Ngo accepts her certificate from Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez as parents Nikki (in blue dress) and Limarc (in stripes) look on.
Sheena and Mark Tan (third and fourth from left) are pleased that daughter Harper has become more sensitive and compassionate to others.
Mom Michelle Fang (fourth from left) says that daughter Olivia’s growth isn’t possible without the help and encouragement of teachers and classmates.
Jenny and Ian Cheng (fourth and fifth from left) accompany daughter Sofie as she receives her certificate.
(From left) Tzu Chi Philippines first CEO Linda Chua, Tzu Chi Philippines Deputy CEO Woon Ng, and Tzu Chi commissioner Jinny Ong present Lucia Liona Lapitan with her certificate.
Nursery students dance to the song “We’re On Our Way.”
Pre-kindergarten students dance to the song “When Can I See You Again?”
At the Gallery, many of the students’ artworks have an environmental theme.
Love for nature is a recurring subject in the preschoolers’ artworks.
The profits from preschoolers’ paintings will go to supporting the programs of Tzu Chi’s missions.
Youngsters are taught to give back by emptying the contents of their coin cans in a large wooden coin container.
Youngsters are taught to give back by emptying the contents of their coin cans in a large wooden coin container.