August 20, 2026
Building dreams one coin at a time
By Nicole Fetalcorin
In the typhoon-prone province of Albay, where six to eight tropical cyclones make landfall each year, heavy rain and howling winds carry a familiar sense of dread. For Patricia Paula Briz and her family in Tabaco City, every impending storm was a test of faith.
Their home was built not of concrete and steel, but of simple wooden boards—leaving them vulnerable whenever harsh weather struck. “Whenever a typhoon hit, you had to say every prayer you knew just so the house wouldn't get destroyed,” said Briz “That’s why I took up architecture—I want to build a safe, proper home for my family.”
Growing up in the midst of poverty, Briz witnessed her parents work tirelessly to keep the family afloat. Her father took on on-call construction jobs, while her mother earned a modest living as a housekeeper. When construction projects were scarce, her mother’s wages were the family's sole lifeline.
As the second of five siblings, Briz learned early on that education required deep family sacrifices. “Back in my elementary days, we didn't have electricity at all; we just used kerosene lamps,” she shared. “We didn't have running water either, so we fetched drinking water from our neighbors and dug a well for our laundry and bathing.”
Mealtimes often brought heart-wrenching choices between immediate needs and school days ahead. “There were times our mother would ask if we wanted to eat a full dinner or save that money for tomorrow’s school allowance,” Briz remembered. “My family believed breakfast and lunch were essential, so when dinner came, our mother gave us two choices: rice porridge or noodles. My siblings and I refused to miss school, so we chose porridge just so we’d still have fare for tomorrow’s class.”
Her perseverance paid off when she graduated from high school and set her sights on college. Though initially shortlisted as an applicant at Bicol University, her determination never wavered. She underwent a series of interviews, exams, and skills tests and successfully secured a slot in her dream program: architecture. Yet, as she advanced into her second year, the heavy financial demands of the course began to take a toll. “I had to choose which classes to attend and which ones to skip,” Briz explained. “Before I became a scholar, my parents really had to borrow money just so we’d have transportation fare. My dad also took on odd jobs from our neighbors just to cover our allowance and daily expenses.”
Her connection with the Tzu Chi Foundation traces back to her high school years at Tabaco National High School, which Tzu Chi helped rebuild after Typhoon Reming (Durian) devastated Bicol in 2006. Years later, a dedicated Tzu Chi Bicol volunteer, Analisa Amaranto, introduced her to the foundation’s scholarship program—a lifeline that would change her trajectory.
Through the generosity of donors participating in the “Piso Mo, Kinabukasan Ko” (Your Coin, My Future) coin can initiative, Briz received full financial support, character education through Humanities classes, and holistic life skills.
“Tzu Chi is the reason I was able to graduate with a degree in architecture,” Briz expressed with deep gratitude. “Because of the ‘Piso Mo, Kinabukasan Ko’ program, my life changed—and so did the lives of my fellow scholars. The small coins gathered daily by donors covered our tuition, allowance, transportation fare, uniforms, and books.”
She echoed the heart of the foundation's mission, rooted in Dharma Master Cheng Yen’s teachings on collective compassion. “As Master Cheng Yen says, the coins we collect every day are not small things. When gathered daily, they create a great sum that can truly transform a human life. That is why I am endlessly grateful to the Tzu Chi Foundation and to every donor supporting this program.”
From studying under the soft glow of a kerosene lamp to drafting blueprints for safer structures, Patricia Paula Briz stands as a testament to what happens when human kindness unites to lift a young dream—proving that even the humblest coin can help build an unshakable future.
To support the Tzu Chi Scholarship Fund, please donate to the following Tzu Chi Foundation bank account.
Tzu Chi Foundation Bank Accounts:
Metrobank :
Account Name: Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines Inc.
Account Number: 163-3-163-07190-9
BDO :
Account Name: Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines Inc.
Account Number: 011-9-7800-180-0
Wearing her hard hat with pride, Patricia Paula Briz officially takes another big step toward her dream at a special hard hat and pinning ceremony for Bicol University’s future architects.
Patricia Paula Briz proudly showcases her presentation board after successfully passing her final thesis defense.
An emotional reflection during a house visit: Amy Briz (right) sheds tears of gratitude as she recalls her daughter Patricia Paula Briz’s (left) journey. Facing severe financial difficulties, her parents initially had to ask Patricia to pause her second-year architecture studies so her eldest sibling could finish school first. Undeterred, Patricia secured a scholarship from the Tzu Chi Foundation, overcoming the setback and successfully graduating.
Now a proud graduate, Patricia Paula Briz is ready to take her dreams to the next level as she prepares for the Architect Licensure Examination.
No matter how tough life got, Patricia Paula Briz never backed down from her dream to graduate. On June 16, 2026, she celebrated this wonderful milestone alongside her parents, who stood by her side and supported her every step of the way.
In a heartwarming 2025 Christmas celebration organized by Tzu Chi Bicol for Tzu Chi Great Love Village children, scholar Patricia Paula Briz shares a happy moment with one of the young event beneficiaries.
Extending a helping hand in times of need, Tzu Chi Bicol scholars, staff, and volunteers came together to distribute essential relief goods to evacuees in Ligao City following the Mayon Volcano eruption in 2024.
Extending a helping hand in times of need, Tzu Chi Bicol scholars, staff, and volunteers came together to distribute essential relief goods to evacuees in Ligao City following the Mayon Volcano eruption in 2024.
Patricia Paula Briz (second row, right) actively takes part in the monthly coin can collection at Tzu Chi Great Love Village in San Vicente, Tabaco City, Albay.
On November 13, 2024, the Tzu Chi Foundation brought relief and support to flood-stricken communities in Milaor, Camarines Sur. Among the dedicated scholars participating was Patricia Paula Briz (far left).
In recognition of her outstanding community service as a Tzu Chi scholar, Patricia Paula Briz (right) was presented with an award by Tzu Chi Bicol volunteers Analisa Amaranto (left) and Juvy Binalla.
During her third and last participation in the annual Tzu Chi Scholars’ Camp, Patricia Paula Briz shared her journey, expressed her gratitude to Tzu Chi, and pledged to give back to the foundation in the future.