March 3, 2023
Tzu Chi, Bicol University sign MOA to boost scholarships
By Ben Baquilod
To further expand Tzu Chi’s educational assistance program in the Bicol region, Tzu Chi Philippines and Bicol University (BU) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on March 2 at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
The ceremonial MOA signing was attended by Bicol University President Dr. Arnulfo Mascariñas, Legal Officer Atty. Daryl Redoblado, and Union of Faculty Association and College of Engineering Asst. Professor IV Engr. Fernan Dematera.
“I’d like to thank the foundation for accommodating our request to increase the number of scholars in Bicol University. More students will surely benefit from this goodwill,” said Dr. Mascariñas.
At present, there are 32 Tzu Chi scholars from the Bicol region, with 22 coming from the Bicol University Tabaco Campus (BUTC) and the Bicol University College of Agriculture and Forestry (BUCAF).
“Bicol is among the poorest regions in the country. And in order to alleviate poverty, we have to invest in education,” said Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez.
Following the agreement, Yuñez, together with Tzu Chi Bicol head volunteer Antonio Tan assured to include other BU campuses and increase the number of scholars in Bicol University each year. The course offerings will also be expanded to include Accountancy, Engineering, Social Work, and Nursing—the top-notch courses of Bicol University.
“Many of our students come from poor families who could hardly afford to pay for their transportation fares, their dormitories, and other expenses; so, this will be a big boost to them,” thanked Dr. Mascariñas.
Tzu Chi Philippines and Bicol University sign Memorandum of Agreement to further expand Tzu Chi’s educational assistance program in the Bicol region. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
From left to right: Tzu Chi Bicol head volunteer Antonio Tan, Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez, Bicol University President Dr. Arnulfo Mascariñas, and Bicol University Legal Officer Atty. Daryl Redoblado. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Tzu Chi Philippines Charity Head Tina Pasion discusses Tzu Chi’s educational assistance program. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
“Bicol is among the poorest regions in the country. And in order to alleviate poverty, we have to invest in education,” said Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez awards token of appreciation to Bicol University President Dr. Arnulfo Mascariñas. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Bicol University officials and Tzu Chi volunteers join for a group photo after the MOA signing. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Tzu Chi volunteers lead Bicol University officials in a tour of the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】