September 16, 2026
Tzu Chi grants scholarship to 203 new scholars across the Philippines
By Nicole Fetalcorin
The Tzu Chi family holds a core belief that everyone connected with the foundation is brought together for a greater purpose—a sentiment that rings true for every Tzu Chi scholar. For the academic year 2026–2027, 203 college students across the Philippines were each granted a scholarship. This scholarship serves as a vital stepping stone, easing their financial burden, and helping them pursue their dreams of a brighter future.
In the National Capital Region (NCR), Tzu Chi dedicated two days to welcoming its new scholars. The program began with an official orientation on September 12, followed by a celebratory awarding ceremony on September 13 at the Jing Si Hall inside the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila. The event brought together new scholars, retainers, alumni, donors, volunteers, guests, and families. On the same day, Tzu Chi liaison offices in Zamboanga, Davao, and Palo spearheaded their respective awarding ceremonies.
During the Manila orientation, Judy Lao, head of the Communications Department, shared the history and global footprint of Tzu Chi. Her heartfelt talk offered the scholars meaningful grounding and inspiration as they embarked on their new journey.
This year's program was particularly milestone-worthy as Tzu Chi expanded its reach beyond state universities to include three local colleges: Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina (PLMar), University of Caloocan City (UCC), and Quezon City University (QCU).
During the orientation, John Brix Encabo, a Bachelor of Secondary Education student majoring in Filipino and a new scholar from PLMar, shared his story and what the scholarship means to his family. “My mother got into an accident on August 4—she was hit by a motorcycle and suffered foot fractures. She was our sole provider. Now that she’s unable to work, this scholarship will greatly help us, especially with my studies.”
Encabo’s mother, Judith, works as a barangay street sweeper and was injured while crossing the street on her way to work. Despite being in a wheelchair, she attended the panel interview alongside her son, driven by the hope that he would be accepted into the program.
PamelaMadel Gadon, an office administration student at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines from Malabon City, shared a similar story:
“My brother and I are both in college, and we really struggle with our daily allowance. On top of that, both of our parents require maintenance medication. My father needs daily medicine for his liver, and my mother needs treatment for asthma and high blood pressure.”
Her mother, Rosario attended the awarding ceremony and expressed her deep gratitude. “They were supposed to stop going to college because we had no means to support their education. But they found a way—my daughter found Tzu Chi, and I am so grateful to the Tzu Chi Foundation.”
The NCR awarding ceremony was also graced by long-standing donors who support Tzu Chi’s educational initiatives, including Nelson Sy and Betty Sy of Neltex Development Co. Inc.
“Education is very important for the future of our nation,” said Ms. Sy. “We are deeply moved by the scholars' determination to fulfill their dreams. We hope that the opportunities they receive today will inspire them to give back to others in the future.”
Mr. Sy added that while Tzu Chi provides the support and opportunity to succeed, it is equally important for scholars to practice good values—helping themselves, their families, and their communities.
Tzu Chi opens its doors to all who are in need. Through careful home visits and assessments, the foundation ensures that every selected applicant is deserving of assistance. Thanks to the generosity of donors—many of whom the students may never meet personally—the course of these underprivileged scholars' lives is being transformed, bringing their dreams of a promising future within reach.
Tzu Chi officially welcomed its newest batch of scholars from NCR during a scholarship program orientation held on September 12 at the Jing Si Hall, Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus, in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
A mother expresses her hope for her child to complete her education through Tzu Chi’s Educational Assistance Program.
Tzu Chi volunteer and Communications Department Head Judy Lao warmly greets incoming scholars, inspiring them with stories of the foundation’s origins and enduring missions.
Tzu Chi Charity Department Head Mine Heart Tantoy guides new scholars through contract signing and policy orientation.
John Brix Encabo is filled with excitement as he begins his journey as a Tzu Chi scholar.
During a panel interview with volunteers on August 29, 2026, John Brix Encabo’s mother, Judith (center) shared her struggles as her family's sole provider and expressed how much the scholarship would mean to her son. Overcome with emotion, she recounted her August 4 road accident, explaining how her mind was preoccupied with thoughts of her eldest son, who has autism and has been missing since 2016. Distracted, she failed to avoid an oncoming motorcycle.
Tzu Chi volunteers carefully conduct panel interviews with applicants from partner colleges and universities.
Hopeful applicants and their families fill the waiting area at Harmony Hall, Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus on August 29, 2026, as over 453 students from NCR await their turn for the scholarship panel interview.
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez (left) and Nelson and Betty Sy of Neltex Development Co. Inc. (third and fourth from left) present Pamela Madel Gadon with her official Tzu Chi scholar ID.
Hand in hand with generous donors and dedicated volunteers, Tzu Chi opens new doors of opportunity for 143 deserving scholars in NCR.
In Tzu Chi Davao, 15 new scholars proudly receive their certificates of scholarship as Tzu Chi expands its educational support in the region.
In Tzu Chi Davao, 15 new scholars proudly receive their certificates of scholarship as Tzu Chi expands its educational support in the region.
Marking the official start of their journey, 21 students in Zamboanga are pinned with their scholar IDs by Tzu Chi volunteers.
The Tzu Chi Zamboanga community gathers with distinguished guests and active scholars for a commemorative photo.
In Tzu Chi Palo, 11 scholars received the same educational support, opening new doors for their future.
In Tzu Chi Palo, 11 scholars received the same educational support, opening new doors for their future.
A Tzu Chi scholar gives back hope by pouring her savings into a bamboo coin bank.
A Tzu Chi scholar gives back hope by pouring her savings into a bamboo coin bank.
Tzu Chi donors Nelson and Betty Sy of Neltex Development Co. Inc. show their earnest support for the scholars through their bamboo bank donations.
Tzu Chi scholars dedicate their efforts to assisting their new co-scholars.
With bright smiles, dedicated Tzu Chi volunteers facilitate the coin bank donations, supporting the scholars' education fund.
In a moment of reverence, scholars and guests observe quiet decorum during the opening sign of respect to the Buddha.
In advocacy of mental health awareness, Tzu Chi volunteer Pong Tee led a discussion on mental health and healthy emotional expression—a timely topic as September marks Mental Health Awareness Month.
(From left) Tzu Chi Charity Department Head Mine Heart Tantoy, Head Volunteer for Tzu Chi’s Educational and Medical Assistance Programs Rosa So, and Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez award Tzu Chi alumni scholars with cash incentives for graduating with Latin honors.
A testament to how kindness transforms lives, Tzu Chi alumni scholars from NCR and Bicol gather for an awarding ceremony honoring their dedication and academic achievements.