February 6, 2025
Davao beneficiaries claim free prosthetic limbs from Tzu Chi Zamboanga
By Joy Rojas
Early in the morning of February 4, four volunteers and two staff members from Tzu Chi Davao set off to Tagum City Hall for the free prosthetic limb installation organized by Tzu Chi Zamboanga.
Tzu Chi Davao brought two patients who were accompanied by their wives. The group was welcomed by Mayor Rey T. Uy, along with his wife, Alma.
Three volunteers and four staff members from Tzu Chi Zamboanga were on hand to facilitate the prosthetic limb installation held at the Jesus V. Ayala Hall. The event was conducted in partnership with Tzu Chi Foundation, NORFIL Foundation, Inc., Romualdo and Ramona Buerano, the Local Government of Tagum City, Physicians for Peace Philippines, and Mahaveer Philippines Foundation.
Physicians for Peace Philippines served as the main sponsor of the event and donor of crutches and custom-mad wheelchairs for cerebral palsy patients, while Mahaveer Philippines Foundation partnered with Tzu Chi Zamboanga for its Jaipur prostheses.
A total of 15 beneficiaries received their free prosthetic limbs, giving them another chance at life. Additionally, there were two cases from Davao and three cases from Kapalong who requested assistance for prostheses. These five patients underwent leg casting and measurements for their prosthetic limbs, which they hope to receive this March.
During the installation of the prosthetic legs, the workers impressed with their skills, tapping, banging, and polishing each prosthesis to ensure a comfortable look and fit.
Aside from prosthesis, wheelchairs and crutches were also donated. Beneficiaries and their families watched in gratitude as volunteers installed the wheelchairs to suit each user.
In an event attended by people from all walks of life, stories of birth, old age, illness, death, and hardships were told. It was a heartwarming scene, seeing the patients come in with crutches and leave, walking slowly and naturally, taking steps with smiles on their faces and endless gratitude.
For volunteers, this is a mission accomplished with compassion and a good opportunity to help others.
Tzu Chi volunteer Ang Mei Yuen took this opportunity to share the story behind the Tzu Chi Foundation. Through her sharing, those present learned that Tzu Chi is known for spreading compassion and relief through its missions of charity, medical assistance, education, and disaster relief.
Tzu Chi Philippines is grateful to Mayor Uy and his wife for their warm hospitality and for hosting the volunteers with hearty vegetarian snacks.
Tzu Chi Davao volunteer Ang Mei Yuen shares the story behind the Tzu Chi Foundation and its goal to extend compassion and relief through its missions of charity, education, medical assistance, and disaster relief.
Amputees undergo leg casting and measurements for their artificial limbs courtesy of Tzu Chi Zamboanga.
Beneficiaries are welcomed to the Jesus V. Ayala Hall of Tagum City Hall for the turnover of prosthetic limbs and wheelchairs.
A Tzu Chi volunteer assists a beneficiary in filling up forms.
Tzu Chi volunteers from Davao and Zamboanga pose with one of the recipients of a prosthetic limb.
Beneficiaries are garbed in hospital gowns before they receive their prosthesis.
In addition to prosthetic limbs and crutches, wheelchairs were given to beneficiaries.