August 13, 2025
69 new scholars recognized in first Humanity class for academic year 2025-2026
By Joy Rojas
John Galt Howard Aquino had just woken up from a nap, and Dyanne Marie Punzal was about to join her family in praying the rosary when they each received an email that would change their life: a confirmation of their acceptance into Tzu Chi Philippines’ Educational Assistance Program.
“At first, I couldn’t believe it and thought they were congratulating me for passing the panel interview,” says Aquino, a 20-year-old from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) taking his Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in Social Studies. “But no, they welcomed me to be part of their family and foundation! Wow, thank you so much. I took a screenshot of the email and shared it with my family in our group chat.”
“When I saw that I passed, I screamed, of course,” says Punzal, 19, a broadcasting major from PUP. “Everyone in our house was there at that moment. My mom asked me why I screamed and when I told her I got the scholarship, she was happy and congratulated me.”
Aquino and Punzal are two of the 69 college students who make up the newest batch of Tzu Chi scholars recognized in the first Humanity class for academic year 2025-2026. Held on August 10 at the Jing Si Auditorium of Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus, Sta. Mesa, Manila, the event included the awarding of IDs led by Tzu Chi Philippines Deputy CEO Woo Ng, Tzu Chi Educational Assistance Program Head Rosa So, and other volunteers.
“Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. One filled with opportunity, growth, and discovery,” says So. “To our new scholars…you’ve stepped into a space where learning goes beyond textbooks, a space where we foster team spirit through the goals and ideals of Tzu Chi. Let’s begin this new year with purpose, curiosity, and the courage to grow.”
Together with 255 scholars in the elementary, junior high, senior Hhgh, and college levels, the new scholars did just that. In “Design for Change,” an activity facilitated by Tzu Chi Youth who had just flown in from Taiwan, scholars worked in groups to provide solutions for natural environment pollution, mental health and stress, inequality of educational resources, do good deeds, and care for the elders. At the end of the activity, they each took turns explaining their innovative approaches to their chosen situation.
Despite being newcomers, both Aquino and Punzal appear to have already adopted Tzu Chi’s culture of compassion and giving without expectation.
The second of four children of his widowed mom, John would like to teach and practice law someday. “After graduation, I will help Tzu Chi. I want to give back,” he says.
Same with Punzal, the daughter of an on-call mechanic and cashier at a hospital. Keen on learning Tzu Chi’s sign language and participating in the foundation’s volunteer efforts, she sees herself becoming a director or producer.
“I also want to be an environmentalist,” she says. “And I'm hoping in the future, if everything is all right and I have enough money to support my family, I'm thinking of becoming a Buddhist nun.”
Donning their blue shirts and white pants, Tzu Chi scholars gather at the Jing Si Auditorium on August 10 for the first Humanity class for academic year 2025-2026.
Scholars who availed of glasses from Paris Miki last May happily show them off.
A new scholar receives her Tzu Chi ID from Tzu Chi Philippines Deputy CEO Woon Ng.
The newest batch of Tzu Chi scholars pose for a group photo.
Scholars Sydney Alipao (left) and Rainiel Manansala host the first Humanity class for academic year 2025-2026.
Tzu Chi Educational Assistance Program Head Rosa So welcomed new scholars on a high note. “Let’s begin this new year with purpose, curiosity, and the courage to grow,” she said.
Judy Lao, head of Tzu Chi’s Department of Communications, discusses the history of Tzu Chi.
The day before Humanity class, the new batch of scholars were at the Jing Si Auditorium to sign a contract with the foundation’s Educational Assistance Program and receive their uniforms.
New scholars learn how to execute the hand gesture that accompanies the greeting “Amituofo” (“Immeasurable life”).
Lily, a Tzu Chi Youth from Taiwan, explains how her experience as a volunteer impacted her life.
Tzu Chi Youth from Taiwan (standing) observe scholars’ discussion during the activity “Design for Change.”
John Galt Howard Aquino (second from right) listens as his groupmates share their solutions to addressing natural environment pollution.
Another successful Humanity class in the books!