May 7, 2024
Angelo King Foundation provides financial grant for construction of Tzu Chi Palo Great Love Village
By Ben Baquilod
Angelo King Foundation, Inc. (AKFI) signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines on May 3 to support the ongoing construction of the Tzu Chi Palo Great Love Village.
The MOA signing, held at the AKFI office in Legazpi Village, Makati, marked the turnover of a check for the construction of the Multipurpose Hall and the Livelihood Training Center of the Tzu Chi Palo Great Love Village.
“When we were approached about the permanent housing project, it was not a difficult decision for us to help,” said AKFI Vice President and Board Member Joaquin Sy.
In light of the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) in 2013, Sy highlighted Tzu Chi’s relief and rehabilitation efforts in Leyte Province. “When Haiyan struck, Tzu Chi was one of the first groups on the ground, doing whatever was needed to be done,” Sy noted. “And AKFI prefers to work with groups with an excellent track record.”
Angelo King Foundation’s collaboration with Tzu Chi officially commenced in 2022 when it donated to Tzu Chi’s Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai) relief efforts in Bohol, Cebu, and Southern Leyte. This was followed by a donation of 50 units of bicycles, which were given to Tzu Chi scholars and other beneficiaries for livelihood purposes.
Since then, the cooperation between the two foundations has strengthened. When AKFI learned about Tzu Chi’s first permanent housing project, it expressed interest in providing assistance, which eventually led to the momentous MOA signing.
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez expressed gratitude to AKFI for its continuous support of Tzu Chi’s programs. With AKFI’s generous donation earmarked for the construction of the Multipurpose Hall and the Livelihood Training Center, residents of the village have not only a roof over their heads but also access to vital resources for skill development and community building.
Founded in 1966 in Taiwan by Dharma Master Cheng Yen and established in the Philippines in 1994, Tzu Chi works to alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable in society through humanitarian and charitable assistance, medical care, education, and spiritually inspiring activities, empowering individuals and communities to become self-sustainable.
With the shared goal of helping those in need, AKFI institutionalizes the various funding assistance projects of its founder, Mr. Angelo King. As a grant foundation, it forges partnerships with non-government organizations and institutions to implement social development programs, poverty-alleviating endeavors, and spiritually uplifting pursuits.
Angelo King Foundation, Inc. (AKFI) signs Memorandum of Agreement with Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines to provide financial grant for the construction of the Tzu Chi Palo Great Love Village. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
AKFI Vice President Joaquin Sy (left) and President Teddy Kingsu (right) sign the Memorandum of Agreement. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines Deputy CEO Peggy Sy Jiang (left) and CEO Henry Yuñez sign the Memorandum of Agreement. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
Key executives and officers from Angelo King Foundation and Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines take a group photo after the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】
Key executives and officers take a group photo as Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez receives check from Angelo King Foundation Chairman Ernesto Garilao. 【Photo by Harold Alzaga】