August 14, 2024
The gratitude that transforms communities: Tzu Chi provides relief in San Mateo, Rizal
By Dorothy Castro
On August 11, Tzu Chi volunteers went to San Mateo, Rizal, to lend a hand to beneficiaries who suffered the effects of the southwest monsoon enhanced by Typhoon Carina (Gaemi). Many items, including home essentials and gift vouchers for their personal needs, were given to help them recover from the typhoon.
Overall, Tzu Chi provided relief items to 2,610 families whose residences were damaged by floods. To accommodate the huge volume of recipients, Tzu Chi volunteers conducted the relief operation in three batches, from morning until afternoon.
With dedication, volunteers persevered in preparing relief packages. Grateful for the help that Tzu Chi extended to them in their time of need, they now pass on the care they experienced to families affected by Typhoon Carina.
“The happiness to support and help other people affected by Typhoon Carina is worth [the effort],” said volunteer Angge Salva, sister of former Tzu Chi scholar Angelica Salva. Having witnessed Tzu Chi’s help in supporting her older sister's studies, she vowed to share the same compassion with many people in need.
“I want to thank Tzu Chi for their help, that is why I also want to sacrifice my time and pay it forward… I hope that similar to how Tzu Chi helped me, the help they receive can also improve their lives,” said volunteer Vilma Campos.
Also among the volunteers were Tzu Chi alumni scholars and their friends. Although already employed, these former scholars made sure to share the blessings they received from Tzu Chi to more communities.
Naturally, San Mateo’s recipients were just as thankful. Annalee Halum, mother to a Tzu Chi scholar, shed tears and prayed earnestly during the relief distribution.
“Thank you so much for all the help that you gave us. For helping my daughter finish her studies, and for helping us rebuild our house,” she said.
Facing a tough new start, Tzu Chi provided Halum and her family relief goods, a Puregold grocery voucher, a folding bed with a blanket, cooking utensils, and a ₱15,000 gift voucher for construction materials to repair their home.
Tzu Chi volunteer Benson Lao, who was present in the ocular inspections and stub distributions for Typhoon Carina, noted that despite the high flood water, the preparedness of the local government unit and residents contributed to the ongoing recovery of each family in San Mateo.
Furthermore, Lao shared how the ₱15,000 construction materials voucher provided to families with totally damaged houses can help them start rebuilding their homes. “Their houses were made of light materials. With the voucher, they can purchase materials and rebuild their home.”
Husband and wife Reynaldo and Helen Auxtero know the value of these vouchers. Badly hit by Typhoons Ondoy (Ketsana) and Ulysses (Vamco), they received relief and cash aid from Tzu Chi during these two disasters. The cash aid from Ulysses was used to build a stronger foundation for their home, preventing total damage during Typhoon Carina.
“(With Typhoon Carina, our house) was no longer filled with mud because we were able to elevate it using the financial aid we received from Tzu Chi,” Helen Auxtero shared.
Exemplifying Tzu Chi’s mission to empower people and create a cycle of helping one another in times of need, the Auxteros consistently give coin bank donations to Tzu Chi to pay it forward and improve the lives of others.
After a successful relief distribution, Salva is ready to contribute to more initiatives in the future. “I am a supportive volunteer of Tzu Chi. And I hope Tzu Chi will help more and more people, not only in the Philippines but globally,” she said.
“This is all I can say about Tzu Chi Foundation: They are champions when it comes to helping people,” Reynaldo Auxtero said.
At the Jose F. Diaz (JFD) Memorial Stadium, San Mateo, Rizal, beneficiaries arrive early to receive relief goods.
Tzu Chi volunteers divided 2,610 beneficiaries in three batches during the relief distribution.
Beneficiaries raise their stamped stubs to be presented to volunteers in claiming their relief goods.
Before the distribution of relief goods, beneficiaries listen as volunteers provide emotional comfort and share the valuable teachings of Tzu Chi founder Dharma Master Cheng Yen.
Beneficiaries are earnestly praying for greater peace and less disasters on Earth.
Annalee Halum, a beneficiary and mother to a Tzu Chi scholar, prays in gratitude for the generous assistance.
Beneficiaries smiling for a photo as they wait for the relief operations to begin.
Tzu Chi volunteer Lino Sy (right) shows beneficiaries the items they will receive, such as essential cooking items.
Tzu Chi volunteer Johnny Kwok (in cap) explains how to use the gift vouchers.
Despite the challenge of bringing in many heavy boxes and sacks of relief items, volunteers always wear a happy face.
Buckets are also available to help the beneficiaries carry their relief items with ease.
Tzu Chi volunteers help one another in carrying the sacks of relief goods for beneficiaries.
Coin banks are also available for families who would like to donate to Tzu Chi in the future.
A Tzu Chi volunteer happily accepts the donations given by beneficiaries.
Tzu Chi scholar and San Mateo resident Axcel Rivera ( in blue) is grateful to receive relief goods for his family after experiencing the effects of heavy rains and flooding during Typhoon Carina (Gaemi).
Beneficiary Helen Auxtero (left) thanks a Tzu Chi volunteer for her relief package.
Tzu Chi volunteer Benson Lao (left) distributes Puregold gift vouchers for beneficiaries’ personal needs.
A beneficiary receives essential home items and a gift voucher.
Beneficiaries who volunteered in helping their neighbors carry the relief items were recognized and thanked for their effort.
San Mateo Mayor Bartolome “Omie” Rivera Jr. demonstrates how to use the foldable bed for beneficiaries.
Volunteer Angge Salva thanks beneficiaries in the exit area of the stadium, and helps the elderly and people with children carry their heavy sacks of rice.
Tzu Chi alumni scholars and their fellow volunteers pose for a posterity shot.
San Mateo local government unit members and volunteers, together with Tzu Chi volunteers, staff, and alumni scholars pose for a photo after a successful relief distribution.