January 28, 2026
Tzu Chi distributes 35,000 face masks to three public schools in Sta. Cruz, Manila
By Thania Florendo
Amid continued reminders on the importance of basic health precautions, Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines distributed 35,000 face masks to three public schools in Sta. Cruz, Manila, on January 22.
Tzu Chi volunteers visited Padre Gomez Elementary School, Antonio Regidor Elementary School, and Cayetano Arellano High School to turn over face masks as part of ongoing efforts to promote safe and healthy learning environments.
School officials expressed gratitude for the timely support, noting that the donation would help address ongoing health and resource challenges in public schools.
“I’m happy to see people from Tzu Chi Foundation, and it is a great privilege for us to be one of your beneficiaries,” said Dr. Randy R. Emen, principal of Padre Gomez Elementary School. “This will be of great help to our learners as we continue to face many challenges in our school. This is one of the answered prayers for us because these supplies could help our learners.”
Dr. George Borromeo, public schools district supervisor of DepEd–Manila, also emphasized the continued partnership between Tzu Chi and public schools in the district.
“It may be seasonal, but it is still essential to use face masks,” Borromeo said. “Thank you to Tzu Chi Foundation for always supporting our schools in Sta. Cruz and being with us in this activity.”
Although the Department of Health has stated that the presence of a new influenza variant in the Philippines is not alarming, health authorities continue to remind the public that influenza can still cause serious illness, especially among vulnerable populations. Preventive measures such as staying home when sick and wearing face masks remain strongly advised.
Through initiatives like this, Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines continues to support public schools by promoting health, safety, and disease prevention within school communities.
On January 22, Tzu Chi volunteers visited three schools in Sta. Cruz, Manila, to donate face masks.
With students exposed to crowded school environments, face masks remain an essential measure in preventing the spread of illness.
Tzu Chi staff unload boxes containing face masks for school distribution.
Tzu Chi volunteers coordinate with Dr. Randy R. Emen, principal of Padre Gomez Elementary School, during the face mask distribution.
Tzu Chi volunteers join forces with Mrs. Nieves Lising, the principal of Antonio Regidor Elementary School, to support the school’s health and safety efforts.
Dr. George Borromeo, public schools district supervisor of DepEd-Manila, thanks Tzu Chi Foundation for its continued support through a long-standing partnership.
Tzu Chi volunteers and staff pose with school leaders of Padre Gomez Elementary School during the handover of15,000 face masks.
Tzu Chi volunteers and Mrs. Nieves Lising of Antonio Regidor Elementary School give a thumbs-up after the school received 5,000 face masks.
Dr. George Borromeo of Cayetano Arellano High School thanks Tzu Chi Foundation for its continued support, which includes the donation of 15,000 face masks.