June 4, 2025
Tzu Chi and East Avenue Medical Center collaborate anew
By Joy Rojas
In a relationship that spans nearly three decades, the bond between Tzu Chi Philippines and East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) remains strong, a partnership forged through their mutual commitment to ease the pain and suffering of the sick and poor.
Their latest collaboration, formalized in a Memorandum of Agreement signed by representatives of the foundation and the hospital on April 29, sees both parties providing medical assistance to indigent patients who qualify under the guidelines of Tzu Chi’s Medical Assistance Program. Financial aid and psychosocial support will come from Tzu Chi, while quality medical services are from EAMC.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines for the opportunity to collaborate once again,” says EAMC Social Welfare Officer III Marivic Subiela. “Your support and dedication to making a difference in the lives of our patients is truly invaluable. Working together allows us to achieve great things, and we're excited about positive impact we can make in our community. Your commitment to compassionate care inspires us all, and we are honored to be part of this mission.”
Long before he became Tzu Chi Philippines CEO, Henry Yuñez was a volunteer whose first assignment when he joined the foundation in 1997 was at EAMC. Every Tuesdays and Friday mornings, doctors would present him and other volunteers with their respective cases and patients. In the afternoon, Yuñez returned to EAMC, bringing medicines he purchased from a local drugstore. With the help of the hospital’s nurses and staff, he distributed them to patients.
Through the years, the foundation’s support never wavered. In the pandemic, when hospitals were forced to work beyond capacity, Tzu Chi sent face masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to EAMC and hospitals around the country. The foundation also procured much-needed high-flow nasal cannula machines in bulk for distribution to hospitals with a growing number of moderate to severe cases of COVID. EAMC received six from Tzu Chi.
Dr. Rene Louie Gutierrez, MMHoA, FPSOHNS, was a resident in 2001 when he encountered Tzu Chi. Back then, the foundation held office in the old emergency room department, “and that’s where we send letters to ask for medical assistance for our patients,” says Gutierrez, chief of Allied Health Professional Service Division.
“This partnership is not just a formal agreement, but it is a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to serve those who need us the most—our patients.”
Himself a young doctor in 2000, Dr. Allan Troy Baquir, MMHoA, MPM, FPCS, remains in awe of the generosity and kindness of Tzu Chi volunteers. “During that time, EAMC had nothing, just basic medicine. Tzu Chi would always provide us with medicine for burn patients and high-end antibiotics,” says Baquir, chief medical professional staff.
While the hospital has improved through the years through government support, doctors gladly welcome Tzu Chi as a reliable partner in extending healthcare to those who simply cannot afford it.
“It’s a very charitable activity that expects nothing in return. I think that’s the best thing your organization has given to our country,” says Baquir. “With this formal MOA signing, we look forward to a renewed, revitalized, re-energized partnership.”
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Representatives of Tzu Chi Philippines and East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) raise their signed Memorandums of Agreement in a simple signing ceremony on April 29 at the EAMC Boardroom.
Medical Social Work Department Head Eliza Abellar, RSW, introduces the members of Tzu Chi and EAMC present before the MOA signing.
“This partnership is not just a formal agreement, but it is a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to serve those who need us the most—our patients,” says Dr. Rene Louie Gutierrez, chief of Allied Health Professional Service Division.
Dr. Allan Troy Baquir (center) admires Tzu Chi’s dedication and commitment to serve the underprivileged “without expecting anything in return. I think that’s the best thing your organization has given to our country,” says the chief medical professional staff.
EAMC Social Welfare Officer III Marivic Subiela (left) extends her gratitude to Tzu Chi for the opportunity to collaborate anew. “Your support and dedication to making a difference in the lives of our patients is truly invaluable,” she says.
When he joined Tzu Chi in 1997, Henry Yuñez was first assigned to EAMC. Today as Tzu Chi Philippines CEO, he leads the foundation in providing for the needs of the hospital and its indigent patients.
Tzu Chi Medical Committee volunteers Luis Diamante (left) and Johnny Kwok were on hand during the MOA signing.
There are many stories to tell in a relationship of close to 30 years. Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez (standing) shares how he used to purchase medicines for EAMC patients and distribute them with the help of the hospital’s staff and nurses.