May 28, 2025
JMK Charitable Foundation Inc. pledges assistance to Tzu Chi scholars
By Joy Rojas
New support for Tzu Chi Philippines’ Educational Assistance Program (EAP) came by way of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by representatives of Tzu Chi and JMK Charitable Foundation, Inc. The MOA signing took place on May 25 at the café of Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
Besides extending financial assistance to underprivileged scholars under the EAP, JMK will help fund the education of scholars enrolled in chemistry (and food chemistry) and food science and technology (FoodTech).
Tzu Chi Philippines Education Committee Head Rosa So described the foundation’s collaboration with JMK as more than ink on paper. “It is a celebration of shared values, a commitment to service, and a powerful testament to what is possible when compassion meets action,” she said. “The JMK Foundation has always believed in the transformative power of education. We know that when you invest in a young person's future, you are not just helping one individual. You are uplifting families, strengthening communities, and contributing to the greater good of our nation.”
Philanthropists John and Mary Kaw were the inspirations behind the charitable foundation established by their children, Eric Kaw and Abigail Kaw See. While their father was active in the socio-civic projects of the Manila Jaycees, the Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kaisa Heritage Foundation, and Sapientes Milites (a scholarship for military officials), their mother set up the now-defunct Bodhi Path Foundation, an initiative that saw her and her team feeding and bathing the poor on the streets.
“Moving forward, my brother and I, and together with our family, established the John and Mary Kaw Charitable Foundation to carry on the mission of my parents, to be able to give back to society, and to practice compassion as taught to us by our Buddhist teachers,” said Abigail. “It's a good opportunity also for us to have met the people behind the Tzu Chi Foundation, so that this seed can be planted. Through your platform, we can have a small part in it.”
Still, no involvement is too small or insignificant to change a life. Now part of Tzu Chi's Volunteer Development and Mission Support Department, Mark Vincent Dayang gets emotional when he recalls his struggles growing up with a father who lost his left hand and foot in a tragic accident.
Yet it was this grim circumstance that introduced him to Tzu Chi. While his father received help as a beneficiary of the foundation’s Medical Assistance Program, Mark qualified for a Tzu Chi scholarship, a privilege he maintained for 14 years, beginning in Grade 3. It wasn’t easy for this eldest of three who juggled schoolwork with household chores.
Determined not to let donors’ support go to waste, he studied hard and graduated magna cum laude from his business economics degree in Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila last year.
“We did not know them at first and they did not know us either,” says a grateful Mark of Tzu Chi’s volunteers. “But because of their love and acceptance, they got to know us as more than beneficiaries and scholars. We became part of the Tzu Chi family.
“To all of you scholars, our life stories may be different, but we are united because we have one goal. In our journey, may we continue to look back, no matter where life takes us. Let us remember all the people who helped us when we were in need, and let us continue to be thankful for all the blessings we receive.”
(From left) Tzu Chi Philippines Education Committee Head Rosa So, JMK Charitable Foundation, Inc. Treasurer Abigail Kaw See, JMK Charitable Foundation, Inc. Chairman Eric Kaw, and Tzu Chi Philippines Deputy CEO Peggy Sy Jiang hold up signed copies of a Memorandum of Agreement formalizing JMK Charitable Foundation, Inc.’s support for Tzu Chi scholars.
Clifford Co, partnerships officer from the Office of the CEO of Tzu Chi Philippines, welcomes guests and volunteers to the MOA signing.
Tzu Chi Philippines Charity Department Officer in Charge Mine Heart Tantoy explains how Tzu Chi selects applicants to its Educational Assistance Program.
Addressing representatives of JMK Charitable Foundation, Inc., Tzu Chi Philippines Education Committee Head Rosa So said, “We are humbled to stand alongside an organization that lives out the values of empathy, generosity, and selfless love. Through your donation and our collaboration, we hope to extend opportunities to deserving college scholars, young individuals with dreams and the potential to create lasting impact.”
Now part of Tzu Chi Charity Department’s Volunteer Development and Mission Support, Mark Vincent Dayang was a Tzu Chi scholar from Grade 3 till he graduated magna cum laude from his business economics degree in Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila last year.
As one of eight college students chosen nationwide to participate in a Global Undergraduate Exchange Program, Jude Gabriel Español had just return from a four-month visit to the US. “I thought that I needed to sacrifice my journey as a Tzu Chi scholar. Instead, they supported me and cheered me on. They reminded me that my goal was also theirs to celebrate,” says the third-year scholar from the Philippine Normal University taking his Bachelor of English Education.
Abigail Kaw See co-established the JMK Charitable Foundation, Inc. with her brother Eric “to carry on the mission of my parents, to be able to give back to society, and to practice compassion as taught to us by our Buddhist teachers.”
Tzu Chi volunteers and representatives of JMK Charitable Foundation, Inc., gather for a group photo after a fruitful afternoon of sharing and pledging support.