July 8, 2026
A harvest of hope: from a farmer’s son to future agriculturist
By Thania Florendo
Ron Sirac Velasquez didn’t dream of becoming a farmer. Not that there is anything wrong with being a farmer, but because he knew firsthand how difficult a farmer's life could be. As the eldest of four children, he grew up determined to pursue a different path.
Born into a family of farmers in Magalang, Pampanga, Velasquez witnessed the realities of agricultural life from an early age. His father would harvest crops only two or three times a year, setting aside whatever little income remained as capital for the next planting season. The family also grew vegetables, but the earnings from their harvests were never enough to sustain the household throughout the year.
Like many farmers in Pampanga, one of the country's major agricultural provinces, his family struggled with fluctuating market prices. During harvest season, an oversupply of produce often drove prices down, leaving farmers with only a small profit despite months of hard work.
“We were raised to work on the farm, helping my father plant, weed, and harvest,” he said.
The COVID-19 pandemic pushed the family into even greater hardship. With no stable source of income, they survived mainly on relief goods, which arrived only occasionally. Ironically, despite being a farmer's family, they often had nothing to eat except plain rice.
"For almost two months, we had only rice on the table. Even my mother's stock of soy sauce, salt, oil, and other condiments ran out," he said.
Even under the modular learning setup, Velasquez and his siblings still needed money to buy mobile data to access online lessons. He often heard his parents worrying about expenses, and he carried those concerns with him.
When he developed a persistent cough, he chose to hide it from his family, afraid that seeking treatment would only add to their financial burden.
“I have this habit that as long as I could, I would keep it from them. I never told them about it, it lasted for three months,” he said.
When he finally sought medical attention, he was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. After six months of treatment, he recovered.
Determined to create a better future, Velasquez pursued a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, major in Crop Science at Pampanga State Agricultural University. Rather than leaving agriculture behind, he wanted to help improve farming practices through research and innovation, strengthening support for farmers and increasing crop productivity.
The family's financial struggles continued even after the pandemic. During his second year in college, Velasquez came across a Facebook post about the Tzu Chi Scholarship Program. Although he knew little about the foundation, he applied, along with several other scholarship programs. Tzu Chi was the only organization that accepted him.
"As the eldest, it hurts to see my parents constantly worrying about money. I wanted to do something to help my family," he said.
Waiting for the results was nerve-racking. While his classmates received emails asking for their shoe sizes and uniforms, Velasquez wondered if he had been accepted.
"When I finally received the message, I was really happy," he said.
For the next three years, the scholarship eased his family's financial burden. By saving part of his allowance, he was even able to help cover the school expenses of his younger siblings.
Now 22 years old and a graduate, Velasquez carries one dream above all else—to let his father finally rest from farming.
"My parents have supported me ever since I was young. I saw how hard they worked just to send us to school. I want them to rest and have the comfortable life they deserve. They are my strength and my inspiration, and I want to repay all their sacrifices for us," he said.
With that promise in mind, Velasquez hopes to improve the lives of farmers through research. He has applied for a position as a research assistant at his university and plans to take the Agriculturists Licensure Examination. Someday, he hopes to become a university professor, continuing to create opportunities not only for himself but also for the farming communities that shaped him.
Through determination as a Tzu Chi scholar, he graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, major in Crop Science, and even earned the Best Thesis Award—proof that hard work can transform dreams into reality.
(From left) Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez, Tzu Chi Pampanga scholar Ron Sirac Velasquez, Abigail Kaw See of JMK Charitable Foundation, and Tzu Chi Davao Deputy OIC Mei Yuen Ang pose for a photo during the graduation of scholars at the 2026 Scholars’ Camp held at Sta. Mesa, Manila.
Tzu Chi Pampanga scholar Ron Velasquez expresses his heartfelt gratitude to the foundation. "To Tzu Chi, I am truly thankful. The support you gave me was more than just financial—it gave me the opportunity to pursue my dreams. I hope that in the future, you will be able to help more students like me."
In 2023, Tzu Chi volunteers and staff visited Ron Velasquez’s home to better understand his family's circumstances and evaluate his eligibility for the scholarship program.
After the pandemic, the family struggled to provide the educational needs of their four children. They believed that securing even one scholarship will be a great help to lessen their financial burden.
The family's matriarch showed the volunteers around their home, including the humble area where they prepared and cooked their meals.
Tzu Chi volunteers and staff pose for a group photo with Ron Velasquez's mother and father following their home visit.
From their humble home in Magalang, Pampanga, Ron Velasquez dreams of giving his family a better and more comfortable life.
In 2023, Ron Velasquez became a Tzu Chi scholar, receiving support that helped cover his school expenses and bring him closer to achieving his dreams.
Together with his fellow Tzu Chi scholars in Pampanga, Ron Velasquez received a scholarship that not only supported their daily needs but also empowered them to dream bigger and build a brighter future.
Ron Velasquez shared that one of his favorite parts of being a Tzu Chi scholar was attending the Humanities Class, particularly the lessons on filial piety, which deepened his appreciation for his parents' sacrifices.
The young scholar also shared how he enjoyed the vegetarian food during the camp. “I am happy and always full with the food. Sometimes, I get shy because it feels like I am taking so much food from the table.”
Tzu Chi volunteer Pansy Ho leads 12 Pampanga scholars in attending the three-day scholars camp in the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus, Sta. Mesa, Manila on July 3-5.