Medicine, education, and money talks at 4th Humanities class
Scholars learned about Tzu Chi’s missions and the meaning of true wealth
By Joy Rojas
Multiple topics were covered by resource persons at the fourth Humanities class for scholars held on November 8 at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila, and live-streamed to Tzu Chi chapters all over the Philippines. Of the 548 scholar attendees, 344 were from the National Capital Region, 32 were from Pampanga, 15 were from Bicol, 31 were from Palo, 15 were from Iloilo, 50 were from Davao, and 61 were from Zamboanga.
New scholars gathered at the Harmony Hall to listen to Tzu Chi International Medical Association co-founding member Dr. Josefino “Jo” Qua discuss the foundation’s mission of medicine, and Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines Directress Jane Sy talk about Tzu Chi’s mission of education. Harmony Hall was also were scholars’ parents attended “The Power of Parental Support: Listening, Understanding, and Encouraging Your Child,” a talk given by Tzu Chi staffers Tina Pasion and Julie Collado.
At the Jing Si Hall, retained scholars learned the value of money through two activities. In “The Marketplace of Choices,” they worked in groups to decide how to spend a set budget, some receiving bigger amounts than others.
While money motivates scholars to do well in school so they may secure well-paying jobs in the future, Tzu Chi volunteer Joy Gatdula reminded her young audience about the purpose of money and true meaning of wealth in her talk “The Heart Behind Every Peso: Gratitude, Contentment, and Financial Responsibility.”
Gatdula, who made a career for herself in the banking industry, gave practical tips on how to handle money. Scholars were encouraged to tithe or share their earnings, budget and track their spending, save for their retirement as soon as they receive their first paycheck, determine if something is a “need” or a “want,” and remain debt-free “unless you are borrowing to build a house or buy a car when the route to your office doesn’t have access to public transportation,” she said.
“Widen the jaw of the tiger,” she declared, repeating the words of a former boss. “Increase your income while lowering the cost of your spending.”
She also cited sage advice that echoed the aphorisms of Tzu Chi founder Dharma Master Cheng Yen. “Live simply so that others may simply live. Everything we have is meant to be shared. Try to be rich in good deeds,” she said.
Gatdula drew from personal experience as well. At 6, she was already saving 10 percent of her school allowance, a habit she maintained well into her years in the corporate world. At work, she stuck with a classic handbag and basic shoes. “Simplicity is the best elegance,” she noted. She also instilled the habit of saving among her four kids, dutifully setting aside their money from cash gifts and side hustles.
The biggest takeaway from her talk? Whatever you do with your money—spend it, save it, share it, invest it—do it with love and a grateful heart. “Money is the least form of help that you can give,” she says. “It’s the giving of yourself—your time, your talent, your care, your affection—that matters more.”
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
