May 14, 2025
Parents thank teachers and staff during Filial Piety celebration
By Dorothy Castro
A community nurtures children with compassionate hearts and enriched minds. At Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines, partnering with parents to support children's holistic growth is the essence of their mission.
On May 9, graduating pre-kindergarten students created a memorable moment for their parents during the preschool’s Filial Piety celebration, which began with a traditional tea ceremony and a heartfelt bow from the grateful students.
This occasion was held for the second time since the founding of Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines. “Usually in other school, they don’t celebrate filial piety, but in Tzu Chi, we [celebrate] it because Master Cheng Yen said ‘there are two things that cannot wait in this world: filial piety, and doing good deeds,’” says teacher Beniliza Polican, quoting the aphorism of the Tzu Chi founder and Buddhist nun.
Parents were all smiles as they enjoyed the ceremonial three sips of tea while holding their children in a loving embrace. But the event was only just beginning– it was followed by a charming dance performance prepared by the students.
“It is all about [students] telling their parents that they are very blessed to have them,” Polican explained.
Students then surprised their parents with flowers and paper neckties, which they prepared in the days leading up to the special occasion.
It was a poignant celebration for the seven families and the preschool teachers. After two years of being with Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines, these students are now ready to move on to new schools, bringing with them the valuable lessons they’ve learned during their time here.
And for that, the parents were just as grateful for the teachers and staff who became their children’s second parents in the classroom. Many reminisced on their early days at the preschool, beginning with the momentous open-house day, and the cherished memories through their get-togethers and activities. Polican, touched by the parents’ heartfelt messages, felt that it was like they are “receiving the love that they are giving.”
Throughout their journey with Tzu Chi, parents have been closely involved with many of their children’s milestones: from their first market day, to their kiddie bazaars. It is through these moments that parents watched their children grow into kind, confident, and outgoing individuals.
Michelle Fang, parent to Olivia and a Tzu Chi volunteer, was moved to tears as she looked back on the support she received from Olivia’s teachers when her daughter started school. “Olivia is now very good at expressing herself. I am very happy. I know that the teachers put in a lot of effort,” Fang shared.
Nancy Uy, mother of Gavin, expressed her gratitude for the big role that Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines played in teaching him many lessons and values. She recalled how her son grew to become a kind child, who is always eager to share what he has.
“It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made,” said Mark Fang, father of Matthew, of how enrolling his son at the preschool rekindled his own relationship with Tzu Chi, where he was once a youth volunteer. Now as a father, he is able to pass on the same Tzu Chi values to his son through education.
For Polican, this event was bittersweet. Nearing the end of a school year with many students successfully completing their studies, it was difficult to say goodbye. Soon, these students will don their caps and gowns for their moving-up ceremony.
“It has truly been a pleasure being [their] Chinese teacher. It has been a wonderful year, and I hope that they can carry on whatever they've learned this school year,” Polican said.
Mother and daughter share smiles during the tea ceremony.
A father happily embraces his daughter after the tea ceremony.
A father poses for a photo with his daughter during the Filial Piety celebration at Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines.
A student performs a dance during the Filial Piety celebration.
Students give their best performances during the Filial Piety celebration.
Students give their best performances during the Filial Piety celebration.
Students give their best performances during the Filial Piety celebration.
Students give their best performances during the Filial Piety celebration.
Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Teachers MJ Seno (left) and Beniliza Polican hosted the Filial Piety celebration. They proudly cheered for the students performing for their parents.
A student gifts her father with a handmade paper necktie.
A student presents his gifts of gratitude to his parents, a handmade paper necktie and a flower.
A student proudly shows her mother the tokens of gratitude she prepared.
A student shows her father the gifts she prepared.
Parents proudly record videos of their children’s dance performance to share with their families and friends.
Mother and Tzu Chi volunteer Michelle Fang tears up as she thanks Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines teachers and staff for taking care of her daughter Olivia.
Nancy Uy happily talks about her son’s growth during his education at Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines.
Mark Fang, father to Matthew, thanks Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines for rekindling his relationship with Tzu Chi and contributing to his son’s education.
Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines teacher Beniliza Polican has many treasured moments with her students.
Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines teacher Beniliza Polican has many treasured moments with her students.
Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines teacher Beniliza Polican has many treasured moments with her students.
Families and teachers pose for a photo after a successful Filial Piety celebration.