January 6, 2025
TechVoc scholars reunite for an alumni homecoming in December
By Joy Rojas
Years ago, when they first set foot in Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus (BTCC) in Sta. Mesa, Manila, they were likely down on their luck, discouraged, and lacking direction in life.
But at their recent visit to BTCC for an alumni homecoming last December 21, the 105 scholar-graduates of Tzu Chi’s Technical-Vocational Program were all smiles, exuding a quiet confidence and sense of purpose.
Scholars don’t just graduate from Tzu Chi’s TechVoc program with viable knowledge and skills in caregiving, sewing, dental aide, domestic and commercial refrigeration and air-conditioning, welding, or machine operation. Through weekly Humanity classes, they learn timeless values and how to conduct themselves in the real world—lessons that stay with them for life.
They are also assured of a second home in Tzu Chi and a family in the foundation’s volunteers who continue to support them with encouraging words and gatherings like the homecoming.
“It’s wonderful to see you back in the place where your journey began,” said Tzu Chi Education Committee Head Rosa So in her welcome remarks. “When you stepped inside BTCC earlier today, we hope that you still feel the same sense of peace and calm that has once embraced you during your time here. We also hope that you are happily reminiscing about your learning journey.
“BTCC was once your second home, where your strength was forged by unforgettable memories, and where your various experiences brought life lessons, which amplified your desire to reach your dreams for a better life for you and your families. We are proud of the person you have become. Your journey exemplifies the fact that no matter how tough life can be, with sheer determination, obstacles are conquered and aspirations fulfilled.”
Jackylyn “Jack” Camino was already looking after her senior employer when she was presented with an opportunity to study. “My boss’ friend is [Tzu Chi volunteer] Elvira Chua, and she told me about the courses being offered by the foundation,” explained Camino. “At first, I hesitated because I already had a job, and if I studied, I wouldn’t be able to support my parents. I also wasn’t familiar with Tzu Chi.”
After some gentle prodding from her employer, Camino applied and was accepted into TechVoc’s Machine Operation NCIII Course in 2019. It took a lot of sacrifice, holding a job then waking up at 3 am to study, but if Camino was motivated, it’s because she was drawn to her course and the teachings of Master Cheng Yen. “Tzu Chi is different. It removes your negative thoughts and replaces them with positive thinking. And Tzu Chi isn’t just about helping people but changing for the better too.”
As a machine operator in Pampanga, Camino realized that there’s no limit to what she can accomplish. “I’m proud of myself,” said the breadwinner who was able to give her parents a home of their own. “Sometimes I wonder, what would happen if I chose not to study? I’m so grateful and indebted to Tzu Chi.”
Angela Carla Basilio wanted to major in Information Technology after graduating from high school in 2013. But with her stepfather’s salary stretched thin, college was out of the question. That’s when she looked into Tzu Chi’s TechVoc program.
“The Dental Aide Course was not my choice,” confessed Basilio, who first encountered Tzu Chi during its relief efforts in Marikina for Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) in 2009. “There was so much to study and I’m not good at memorizing. But once I started, I realized how much I enjoyed it.”
With her earnings as a dental aide, “I was able to feed my family three times a day,” she said, holding back her emotions.
When the pandemic was declared, the lockdowns took away her job—but not her relationship with Tzu Chi. For a few years, she worked as an assistant in the foundation’s livelihood department.
Now back as a dental assistant for a clinic in Mandaluyong, Basilio had this to say to the new batch of TechVoc scholars. “Finish what you started,” she said. “If you want to help your family, you have to have the courage to continue what you began.”
While Camino and Basilio may be considered as two of the many success stories of the TechVoc program, Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez believes they’re just halfway there.
“You already have a job, right? That’s only 50 percent,” he said. “At Tzu Chi, we want our scholars to go from palms facing up to palms facing down. What do we mean by that? If Tzu Chi has been helping you in the past, now it’s time to give back and help others who are in need.”
“When you decide to train to be a full-fledged volunteer and wear the blue-and-white uniform,” he said, “that, to me, is a success.”
At Tzu Chi’s alumni homecoming for Technical-Vocational scholars last December 21, 105 graduates from the program’s different courses showed up to rekindle relationships with their peers and Tzu Chi volunteers.
At Tzu Chi’s alumni homecoming for Technical-Vocational scholars last December 21, 105 graduates from the program’s different courses showed up to rekindle relationships with their peers and Tzu Chi volunteers.
At Tzu Chi’s alumni homecoming for Technical-Vocational scholars last December 21, 105 graduates from the program’s different courses showed up to rekindle relationships with their peers and Tzu Chi volunteers.
At Tzu Chi’s alumni homecoming for Technical-Vocational scholars last December 21, 105 graduates from the program’s different courses showed up to rekindle relationships with their peers and Tzu Chi volunteers.
At Tzu Chi’s alumni homecoming for Technical-Vocational scholars last December 21, 105 graduates from the program’s different courses showed up to rekindle relationships with their peers and Tzu Chi volunteers.
As a dental aide, a skill she learned as a Tzu Chi TechVoc scholar in 2013, Angela Carla Basilio is “able to feed my family three times a day,” she said.
For Jackylyn “Jack” Camino, who completed a Machine Operation Course in 2019, Tzu Chi is different. “It removes your negative thoughts and replaces them with positive thinking. Tzu Chi isn’t just about helping people but changing for the better too.”
Tzu Chi Education Committee Head Rosa So considers the alumni homecoming as “the beginning of your call to lend a helping hand to touch the lives of those who are also in need of assistance,” she said. “To get their lives back on track, to inspire others, to reclaim their confidence, to live life to the fullest, to give relief through compassionate care.”
Elpidio Valdez may not have fulfilled his goal of working overseas as a graduate of TechVoc’s machine operation course, but as a TechVoc trainer, he has ingrained many scholars with skills to find gainful employment abroad.
Tzu Chi volunteer James Cheng assists TechVoc alumni as they turn over the contents of their coin bank. The donated money will be pooled together to help future batches of TechVoc scholars.
Tzu Chi volunteer James Cheng assists TechVoc alumni as they turn over the contents of their coin bank. The donated money will be pooled together to help future batches of TechVoc scholars.
Tzu Chi volunteer James Cheng assists TechVoc alumni as they turn over the contents of their coin bank. The donated money will be pooled together to help future batches of TechVoc scholars.
Instead of the usual trimmings, Tzu Chi TechVoc’s Christmas Tree features paper leaves with written pledges by the scholar-alumni.
Many of the TechVoc scholar-alumni pledged to give donations through Tzu Chi coin banks.
TechVoc scholar-alumni attach their pledge leaves on the Christmas Tree.
TechVoc scholar-alumni attach their pledge leaves on the Christmas Tree.
At the dining area of Harmony Hall, Tzu Chi volunteers are ready to serve guests with vegetarian treats.
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez invited TechVoc scholars to consider volunteering with the foundation. “When you become a full-fledged volunteer and wear the blue-and-white uniform, that, to me, is a success,” he said.