February 24, 2026
Gratitude and hope at Tzu Chi’s 2025 Year End Blessing
By Joy Rojas
It was the year a magnitude 6.9 earthquake pulverized parts of northern Cebu in September, and communities in the national capital region and neighboring provinces were submerged in floodwater following back-to-back-to-back typhoons and relentless monsoon rains two months earlier.
At the Tzu Chi Foundation, 2025 was yet another year for volunteers to extend compassion and relief to the thousands who struggled to make it through these unforgiving calamities and the challenges of everyday living.
In reports presented in English and Chinese during the February 22 gathering of the annual Year End Blessing at the Jing Si Hall of Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus (BTCC) in Sta. Mesa, Manila, 17,356 families (or approximately 78,102 individuals) were given aid following a disaster; 9,199 patients received treatment in Tzu Chi’s medical mission and free clinic; 1,269 families (or between 4,000 and 6,000 individuals) were supported in targeted medical assistance; 1,567 scholars were supported in regular and vocational education; and 18,193 households were nourished with direct rice assistance.
Addressing a roomful of guests that included generous donors and partners old and new, Tzu Chi volunteer Woon Ng said, “Every number I report is a story of love. This is a report, actually, from you. Without you, we would not have our touching stories.”
Indeed, apart from the tireless dedication of volunteers, it’s the partnerships with corporate and private entities that help sustain Tzu Chi in fulfilling the goal set by Dharma Master Cheng Yen 60 years ago: to extend compassion and relief to the suffering through the missions of charity, medicine, education, and humanistic culture.
Long-time Tzu Chi partner Lao Foundation Inc., itself a staunch advocate of education, values formation, sustainable livelihood, and leadership development, sponsored the studies of 25 caregiver scholars under Tzu Chi’s Technical-Vocational Program in 2025. Aware of Tzu Chi’s strength and experience in organizing disaster relief distributions, Lao Foundation also coursed donations from its founders and employees to Tzu Chi for its typhoon beneficiaries.
Cristina Viray, head of operations of Lao Foundation, anticipates more collaborations with Tzu Chi in 2026. “Tzu Chi has been a great partner with the Lao Foundation. It is with our partners that we can extend our reach.”
Participants of Tzu Chi’s two charity runs have surely seen Neltex’s name and logo emblazoned on their singlet and on streamers around the event’s grounds. But the piping solutions and building products company isn’t just a champion of education. It promotes physical activity, health, and well-being among its employees too. According to MJ Sy, Neltex’s chief financial officer, more than 100 employees and their families were present for the February 8 charity run at Bridgetowne Destination Estate. “A lot of our employees are very excited to join. They look forward to it every year.”
Neltex, which has also been quietly helping Tzu Chi in its disaster relief efforts, is excited about news of a Tzu Chi hospital in BTCC. “That’s something we hope we can contribute to.”
Now chair of the Advisory Council for Unilab Foundation’s Unilab Center for Health Policy, Dr. Enrique Ona was secretary of the Department of Health when he came upon Tzu Chi during its monumental task of rehabilitating Leyte following the wrath of Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.
Since then, he has flown to Taiwan on numerous occasions, and counts a personal encounter with Master Cheng Yen as unforgettable. “I was brought around, and together with my wife, I prayed with her,” he said. “It’s one of my most memorable experiences.”
Visits to Tzu Chi hospitals in Taiwan in 2025 proved just as noteworthy. Together with Unilab Foundation executives, he took note of good practices from their health system.
Of the Tzu Chi General Hospital in the Philippines, Unilab Foundation considers it a welcome addition to the Philippines’s healthcare system. “Especially as we seek to provide more accessible, quality healthcare for the people,” said Atty. Jose Maria Ochave, executive director. “You can trust that Unilab Foundation will be there to help.”
Grateful for the continuing collaborations with constant partners, Tzu Chi volunteer Woon Ng is also pleased with the growing interest in volunteerism, particularly among honorary donors.
“Previously, they just wanted to help monetarily, but now we see them loving the actions. They want to understand deeply what Tzu Chi is doing and will be doing,” she said. “We are looking forward to this in 2026.”
The Year End Blessing also included video reports of Tzu Chi’s 2025 performance in the Philippines and globally, sign language presentations by the Tzu Chi Scholars Chorale and Tzu Chi commissioners, and the emotional sharing of Medical Assistance Program beneficiary Elmer Juampit, who is on the mend after brain surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery in 2023.
Each guest received a red envelope (ampao) from Master Cheng Yen containing seeds that represent precepts, mindfulness, and wisdom, and a commemorative coin embossed with the image of the Jing Si Abode, considered the spiritual home of Tzu Chi volunteers.
Long-time partners and loyal donors were among the special guests of Tzu Chi Foundation’s Year End Blessing at the Jing Si Hall on February 22.
Tokens of luck—round red fruits, candies, a stuffed toy horse—were on sale at the entrance of the hall.
Succulents are said to symbolize enduring love, strength, and resilience.
A young guest pours the contents of a Tzu Chi coin can on a bamboo chute.
Donations are pooled in a heart-shaped bamboo receptacle.
Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines Directress Jane Sy hosted the morning program in English.
Tzu Chi volunteers Angie Cai and Peter Uy hosted the afternoon program in Chinese.
Tzu Chi volunteer Woon Ng presented Tzu Chi’s year-end report in English.
Tzu Chi’s year-end report was delivered in Chinese by Tzu Chi volunteer Wilson Hung.
Before introducing Medical Assistance Program success story Elmer Juampit, Tzu Chi volunteer Paquito Ngo gave a touching back story.
Flanked by Tzu Chi volunteers Johnny Cheng (left) and Paquito Ngo (right) and accompanied by his wife and son, Elmer Juampit showed much improvement after a 2023 brain surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery sponsored by Tzu Chi’s Charity Department.
Tzu Chi commissioners sign the song “I Vow with Utmost Sincerity.”
Tzu Chi commissioners sign the song “I Vow with Utmost Sincerity.”
Tzu Chi commissioners sign the song “I Vow with Utmost Sincerity.”
The Tzu Chi Scholars Chorale entertain guests with the sign language performance of “A World Filled with Warmth.”
The Year End Blessing’s afternoon program began with a solemn procession of volunteers offering candles and fruits to Buddha.
Each guest received a red envelope (angpao) from Master Cheng Yen. The envelope contains seeds symbolizing precepts, mindfulness, and wisdom, and a commemorative coin embossed with a design of the Jing Si Abode, considered the spiritual home of Tzu Chi volunteers.
Another token given to guests: a bag containing tea and sweet treats.
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez led the distribution of red envelopes (angpao) to guests, volunteers, and staff.
A Buddhist monk receives a red envelope and other tokens from Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez (center) and Tzu Chi volunteer Wilson Hung.
Tzu Chi Philippines first CEO Linda Chua (right) participates in the distribution of red envelopes (angpao).
A guest reflects on the words of Master Cheng Yen—a message of gratitude, compassion, and hope to carry into the new year.
Tzu Chi volunteers distribute angpao to attendees, sharing the heartfelt blessings of Master Cheng Yen.
In 2025, Lao Foundation Inc. sponsored the studies of 25 caregiver scholars under Tzu Chi’s Technical-Vocational Program. Cristina Viray, head of operations of Lao Foundation, calls Tzu Chi a great partner in advocating for education.
In addition to sponsoring Tzu Chi’s charity run, Neltex has been quietly providing donations to the foundation’s disaster relief, says MJ Sy, Neltex’s chief financial officer.
(From left) Unilab Foundation’s Atty. Jose Maria Ochave, former Department of Health Secretary Enrique Ona, and Ruben John Basa look forward to a stronger relationship between their foundation and Tzu Chi.
Former Department of Health Secretary Enrique Ona (left) is welcomed by Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez as Tzu Chi Philippines Partnerships Officer Clifford Co (center) looks on.
Guests pray in gratitude for the lessons and gifts of 2025, as well as their special intentions at the close of the Year End Blessing.
Lights and lanterns strewn over the plaza created a warm and cozy atmosphere for guests who stayed for an outdoor hot pot dinner after the Year End Blessing’s afternoon program.
After the Year End Blessing’s afternoon program, families headed to the plaza for a delicious outdoor hot pot dinner.
Rows of tables laden with hot pot ingredients, fresh fruits, and more awaited guests who attended the Year End Blessing’s afternoon program.
Lights and lanterns strewn over the plaza created a warm and cozy atmosphere for guests who stayed for an outdoor hot pot dinner after the Year End Blessing’s afternoon program.
Lights and lanterns strewn over the plaza created a warm and cozy atmosphere for guests who stayed for an outdoor hot pot dinner after the Year End Blessing’s afternoon program.