February 27, 2024
A New Year with Renewed Commitment
By Tzu Chi Davao
On February 18, 2024, Tzu Chi Davao joined its Tzu Chi Global family in celebrating the Annual New Year Blessing Ceremony—a yearly traditional pilgrimage. The ceremony took place at Davao Chong Hua High School, Sta. Ana, Davao City, with the theme "Let us spread the Dharma and benefit all beings through our faith, vows, and actions. Let us protect the earth by promoting a plant-based diet and doing good together."
The ceremony commenced with the opening remarks by Tzu Chi Davao Officer-In-Charge, Bro. Nelson Chua, who welcomed everyone. In his speech, he extended his thanks to all the partners, donors, and stakeholders across all programs for their constant support in making the four missions of the foundation a reality. "Thank you for supporting Tzu Chi and letting love spread far and wide in Davao," he remarked. He also extended his thanks to the entire Tzu Chi family for providing vision and guidance. "To our Tzu Chi families, thank you for letting the Tzu Chi Davao Liaison Office grow over the years," he added.
The two beneficiaries from the Educational Assistance Program (EAP) and Medical Assistance Program (MAP) gratefully thanked the Tzu Chi Foundation for their help and for making a huge impact in their lives. "I was able to reach this chapter and leave behind the burden that I have been carrying for years because of your help, Tzu Chi Foundation," one of the pioneer scholars of Tzu Chi Davao, Ms. Lanuza, said in her thanksgiving speech. On the other hand, Mr. Lanzaderas, a former recipient of Tzu Chi Davao's 2023 Medical Mission, also shared how grateful he was for the assistance he received. "I'll pray for the Tzu Chi Foundation's continued success so you can help more less fortunate people like me," he declared.
The ceremony evolved into a gathering place for partners from all programs that demonstrated their support for the Foundation. Dr. Jeneifer C. Nueva, USeP’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, graced the event. "Our university president is not here, but he would like to extend his thanks to the Tzu Chi Foundation for choosing our institution as your partner in your Educational Assistance Program," she said. Moreover, the Municipal Mayor of Kapalong, Ms. Maria Theresa R. Timbol, personally applauded the Tzu Chi Foundation for always supporting their IP's communities. "When I saw your annual accomplishments report video, I was not surprised; your organization has done marvelous things," she commended.
The ceremony became livelier as Tzu Chi Scholars, Tzu Chi Youths, and students from the Philippine Academy of Sakya-Davao and Davao Chong Hua High School showcased their talents in sign language and dancing.
The distribution of Ang Pao was one of the ceremony’s highlights, made more profound by the blessings given by Dharma Master Cheng Yen in her audio-visual message before it was distributed.
In her closing remarks, Tzu Chi Commissioner Sis. Molita Chua expressed her heartfelt gratitude to everyone. She emphasized that because of the collective efforts of all involved, Tzu Chi Davao can continue to extend its reach and help more people in need. The commitment and dedication of the volunteers, donors, and partners have been instrumental in achieving these milestones, and their diligence is truly praiseworthy.
A total of 300 individuals attended the celebration. Thus, Tzu Chi Davao presented gifts for everyone. Furthermore, "Tikoy" was given out to the attendees because it represents luck and wealth, and the New Year Blessing Ceremony would not be complete without it.
Tzu Chi Davao Officer-In-Charge, Bro, Nelson Chua welcomed everyone in his opening remarks.【Photo by Tzu Chi Davao】
Ms. Lanuza, a third-year college student at USeP, thanked the foundation for the scholarship.【Photo by Tzu Chi Davao】
Mr. Lanzaderas, a former recipient of Tzu Chi Davao's 2023 Medical Mission, is overjoyed that he is finally well.【Photo by Tzu Chi Davao】
Dr. Jeneifer C. Nueva, USeP’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, personally delivered the message of thanks from USeP's President, Dr. Gabales.【Photo by Tzu Chi Davao】
The Municipal Mayor of Kapalong, Ms. Maria Theresa R. Timbol, thanked Tzu Chi for constantly reaching out to their IP comminities.【Photo by Tzu Chi Davao】
Mayor Timbol and Tzu Chi Davao-OIC Bro. Chua shake hands after her speech.【Photo by Tzu Chi Davao】
The pioneer scholars of Tzu Chi Davao expressed their thanks through a sign language performance, "I will say thank you to you."【Photo by Tzu Chi Davao】
Tzu Chi Youths captivated the audience with their magnificent sign language performance titled "Thousand hands world."【Photo by Tzu Chi Davao】
A proud mother, Tzu Chi Commissioner, Sis. Michelle Hsu captures video of the Tzu Chi Youths' performance.【Photo by Tzu Chi Davao】
Davao Chung Hua High School students are gracefully showing their talents in dancing.【Photo by Tzu Chi Davao】
The cute kids of the Philippine Academy of Sakya-Davao perform a fan dance.【Photo by Tzu Chi Davao】
The Ang Paos are ready for distribution.【Photo by Tzu Chi Davao】
Tzu Chi Davao-OIC, Bro. Chua gave an Ang Pao to a pupil from the Philippine Academy of Sakya-Davao.【Photo by Tzu Chi Davao】
Tzu Chi Davao -Deputy OIC, Sis Ang handed out an Ang Pao to a former medical beneficiary.【Photo by Tzu Chi Davao】
Tzu Chi Commissioner, Sis. Molita Chua was thankful for the jampacked attendance during the ceremony.【Photo by Tzu Chi Davao】
Aside from Ang Pao, customized Jing Si aphorisms and coin purses were all distributed.【Photo by Tzu Chi Davao】
Tikoys were given to all the attendees. A symbol of luck and prosperity.【Photo by Tzu Chi Davao】
Fresh fruits symbolize a fruitful year ahead.【Photo by Tzu Chi Davao】
Tzu Chi Commissioner, Bro. Scott Wu assisted in the distribution of gifts to all the attendees.【Photo by Tzu Chi Davao】
The Tzu Chi Commissioners led the audience in a prayer for a world free of disasters.【Photo by Tzu Chi Davao】
Candles symbolizes divine light guiding us through life’s journey.【Photo by Tzu Chi Davao】
Tzu Chi Youths posed a groupie after a successful event.【Photo by Tzu Chi Davao】