June 19, 2024
Tzu Chi Foundation holds media launch for its first Charity Run for Education
By Dorothy Castro
On June 18, Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines held its media launch for its upcoming Charity Run for Education, in partnership with race organizer Runrio. Among the media partners present were ABS-CBN, Asian Dragon, Chinoy TV, TV5, PTV4, and IBC TV 13. The event was held at the Tzu Chi Cafe at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
“It’s our pleasure to be a part of this amazing event,” said Rio de la Cruz, race organizer and coach. Recalling his past interactions with Tzu Chi, most recently at last April’s Earth Day Run at the SM Mall of Asia grounds, he personally witnessed the support that Tzu Chi provides in disasters, as his office is in flood-prone Marikina.
Tzu Chi Communications Head Judy Lao emphasized how the Charity Run is for all ages, and the availability of the 1KM category allows parents and senior citizens to join in as well, as they can walk and appreciate the nature around the UP Diliman Campus. With a span of 493 hectares, the UP Diliman Campus is an ideal location for runners to breathe in clean and fresh air as they run for the future of Tzu Chi’s young scholars.
During the media launch, the race inclusions were also presented. Participants get shirts (for 1K runners) and singlets (for 3K, 5K, and 10K runners) made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET), collapsible wheat straw cups, race bib, and finisher’s medal, all placed inside the Tzu Chi Charity Run loot bag. These race kit inclusions were made with sustainability in mind, highlighting Tzu Chi’s commitment to environmental protection by upcycling waste into useful items.
Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines’ Educational Assistance Program (EAP) started in 1995, and currently 1,700 scholars are being supported across the Philippines: Davao, Leyte, Cebu, Bohol, Iloilo, Pampanga, Bicol, Zamboanga, and the National Capital Region (NCR). They support scholars in many state universities and private universities. Apart from financial assistance in miscellaneous needs, Tzu Chi Foundation also enriches the scholars’ character through monthly Humanities Classes.
Program Officer and host Lineth Brondial shared a Jing Si Aphorism by Tzu Chi’s founder, Dharma Master Cheng Yen: “The hope of the society lies in its talented human resources; while the hope of these talents comes from education.” This is the mission that the foundation continues to fulfill through its scholarships.
“You don’t just help one scholar, but you help the whole family,” said Tzu Chi Education Committee Head Rosa So.
During the media launch, Scholar Sydney Alipao shared a testimonial of how Tzu Chi changed her life. After Typhoon Ondoy flooded their home and community in Matandang Balara, Tzu Chi helped her and her family get back on their feet and face a brighter tomorrow. “It is not a scholarship that provides financial aid alone. Its special aspect is our Humanities Class. We are taught to become the best version of ourselves through these lessons,” she said. Currently, she is a third year BA Journalism student at University of the Philippines, Diliman.
The Tzu Chi Foundation Charity Run is on July 21, at the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City. Proceeds from this event will be dedicated towards supporting the educational needs of Tzu Chi scholars. “If we do not help them, they will not be able to go to school with food or transportation,” said Deputy CEO Peggy Sy Jiang.
This run is part of the celebration of Tzu Chi Philippines’ 30th year of providing compassion and relief to people in need.
Ready to run for education? Registration is ongoing, tie your laces and make every kilometer count!
Register here:
https://raceroster.com/events/2024/88678/tzu-chi-charity-run
NOTE: Processing and admin fees apply.
#KindnessKilometers #Scholarships
#TzuChiCharityRun
#TzuChiFoundationPhilippines
#RUNRIO
Sydney Alipao shares her story as a Tzu Chi scholar during the media launch on June 18. Starting as a scholar at 11 years old, Sydney is now in her third year as a Journalism student at the University of the Philippines. Help scholars like Sydney bring their dreams to the finish line by joining the Charity Run for Education on July 21, 2024 at the UP Diliman, Quezon City.