September 3, 2026
A new journey begins: Tzu Chi Philippines welcomes first batch of TESDA-accredited scholars
By Nicole Fetalcorin
Marking a significant milestone as a newly accredited institute by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Tzu Chi Philippines welcomed its inaugural batch of scholars in programs: Caregiving (Elderly) NCII, with 25 scholars, and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NCII, with 19 scholars. The awarding ceremony took place at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus (BTCC) in Sta. Mesa, Manila, on September 1, 2026.
Filled with hope and determination, select scholars shared their distinct and unique stories highlighting how Tzu Chi’s support helped them overcome hardships and work toward a brighter future. In turn, the foundation hopes these students to take what they gained and use it to serve others, give back to their communities, and make a positive impact on society.
“Today marks the beginning of a new journey—a journey of learning, growth, responsibility, and hope,” said Rosa So, head volunteer for Tzu Chi’s Educational and Medical Assistance Programs. “To our new scholars in the Caregiving (Elderly) and Shielded Metal Arc Welding NCII courses, congratulations! You have been chosen and given an opportunity to acquire skills that can open doors to employment and, more importantly, allow you to become someone who can make a difference in the lives of others.”
As the Jing Si aphorism says, “To receive help is to feel warm, and to help others is to experience true happiness.” Tzu Chi continues its pledge to extend a helping hand to those in need.
Through this scholarship program, so many lives have already been deeply touched, and scholars expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the foundation. For Caregiving (Elderly) NCII scholar Arnulfo Salacop, a 27-year-old breadwinner from Nueva Ecija who has been working since his youth, this scholarship brings hope and a chance for a better future.
The second of six children born to a farmer and housewife, Salacop took on the responsibility of helping his family early on. By age 13, he was working as a resort pool cleaner in their province. In elementary school, he sold ice candy and native rice delicacies. At 17, facing a life bereft of electricity and running water at home, he made the hard decision of stopping his education and took a leap of faith by moving to Metro Manila in a search for better opportunities. Now, after years of hard work, he is finally able to pursue his dreams.
“Thank you very much, Tzu Chi. You have given us the chance for a change in our lives. I am so grateful that I have been given this chance to be a caregiver. Thank you for coming into my life,” said Salacop.
Similarly, Ma. Elena Soguilon, a new scholar under the SMAW NC II program, expressed her enthusiasm for beginning this new chapter with Tzu Chi: “I want to make the most of this opportunity, that’s why I will do my best to learn, to practice, and to improve every day. I hope that it’s not only I who will be given this opportunity, but countless individuals who also aspire to learn skills and get a chance to start.”
Soguilon is a daughter of a retired security guard. Using his government pension, her family invested in a pool rental business in Laguna. However, due to its poor location, the venue flooded every time it rained, resulting in heavy financial losses instead of profit. Faced with this setback, Soguilon was determined to find a way to help her family recover. Tzu Chi’s Technical-Vocational scholarship has restored her hope and determination to succeed.
For students whose educational journeys were delayed by hardship, stories like those of Salacop and Soguilon serve as a powerful reminder of Tzu Chi’s core mission: ensuring no one is left behind and providing everyone with an equal opportunity to thrive.
Extending a warm welcome to the technical and vocational scholarship family, Head Volunteer for Tzu Chi’s Educational and Medical Assistance Programs Rosa So addresses the newest batch of scholars. Beyond graduation, she encourages every scholar to grow into a capable, compassionate, and responsible individual who can stand on their own feet and lift others up along the way.
Surrounded by loved ones and mentors, scholars, parents, and volunteers come together at Harmony Hall in the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus, Sta. Mesa, Manila, to celebrate a brand-new milestone at the scholarship awarding ceremony.
A moment of shared joy: Tech-Voc scholars exchange warm smiles with Tzu Chi volunteers as they proudly accept their scholarship certificates.
A moment of shared joy: Tech-Voc scholars exchange warm smiles with Tzu Chi volunteers as they proudly accept their scholarship certificates.
Holding his new opportunity in hand, Caregiving (Elderly) scholar Arnulfo Salacop (third from left) stands proudly with Tzu Chi volunteers upon receiving his scholarship certificate.
Delivering an emotional response on behalf of his fellow scholars, Caregiving scholar Arnulfo Salacop opens up about his journey as his family’s sole breadwinner. Surrounded by his employers—who attended as his guardians—he expressed heartfelt thanks to the Tzu Chi Foundation for opening doors to a brighter future.
Opening doors to new opportunities, Tzu Chi Foundation grants a total of 25 scholarships to well-deserved Caregiving scholars during the ceremony.
Shielded Metal Arc Welding scholar, Ma. Elena Soguilon (center) proudly holds her scholarship certificate alongside Tzu Chi volunteers.
Determined to help her family recover from a major financial hardship, Ma. Elena Soguilon embraces her new path as a Tech-Voc scholar. She offers her heartfelt thanks to Tzu Chi Foundation for giving her the opportunity and skills needed to stand strong and support her loved ones.
With certificates in hand and big dreams ahead, 19 SMAW scholars are now equipped and ready to take much bigger steps toward their careers.
Shining a light on where dedication can lead, Tzu Chi Deputy CEO Peggy Sy Jiang (at the podium) inspires the new Tech-Voc scholars by introducing alumni Elpidio Valdez Jr. (standing) who now works with the foundation. She reminded everyone that kindness starts small—encouraging scholars to give back through simple coin donations.
A reminder of the power of community: Tzu Chi Deputy CEO Woon Ng highlights the shared support that brought each scholar to this moment. She urged the scholars to let this kindness fuel their growth so they, too, can one day become a blessing to others.
Bringing the inspiring day to a joyful close, new scholars, guardians, volunteers, and staffers gather together for a commemorative group photo to celebrate the success of the scholarship awarding ceremony.
Capturing the playful spirit of the day, new scholars and Tzu Chi volunteers strike a fun, wacky pose together to celebrate their growing bond.