August 12, 2026
Tzu Chi Holds Gratitude Nights for 292nd medical mission
By Nicole Fetalcorin
After three days of selfless service, healing, and hope, the Tzu Chi Foundation gathered medical professionals, government leaders, volunteers, youth, and local partners for two moving Gratitude Nights that celebrated the successful conclusion of its 292nd medical mission in Dipolog City. The first was held on August 8 at the Zamboanga del Norte Convention and Sports Center in Dipolog, the second on August 10 at the cafe of Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus (BTCC) in Sta. Mesa, Manila. .
Both evenings were a tribute to human kindness—a moment to reflect on lives transformed and to express deep appreciation to everyone who united to serve 5,417 ZaNortehanons. Beyond the numbers, the gathering honored the spirit of “Great Love” (Da Ai) that bonded thousands of people throughout the mission.
In Dipolog, volunteers and medical staff who had spent days performing surgeries, extracting teeth, dispensing medicine, and fitting eyeglasses came together not as separate groups, but as one family bound by a shared purpose.
The night marked a renewed pledge to continue alleviating suffering and bringing hope to those in need.
Two days later in BTCC, a special tribute was given to the Tzu Chi Youth and volunteers from Taiwan and Malaysia, who traveled to the Philippines to dedicate their time and energy to the mission. Their presence was warmly acknowledged by the Tzu Chi Philippines family, who held this night of gratitude to honor their commitment. As the youth shared their experiences, the atmosphere brimmed with happy tears, lively dances, and heartfelt embraces—turning the Tzu Chi cafe into a space of joy, unity, and love.
Bringing everyone together, a warm vegetarian buffet feast was prepared to honor guests and dedicated volunteers.
Pausing from their meal for a quick photo, volunteers send love and warm smiles to the camera.
Honoring dedicated service, a Tzu Chi University student from Taiwan presents a souvenir to a TIMA doctor.
A quick pause from their meal: volunteer TIMA doctors share a smile for the camera.
A quick pause from their meal: volunteer TIMA doctors share a smile for the camera.
Taiwan-based Tzu Chi Youth beam with gratitude during the closing night of their three-day medical mission journey in Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte.
Taiwan-based Tzu Chi volunteers beam with gratitude during the closing night of their three-day medical mission journey in Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte.
Filled with great stories to share, Tzu Chi University students gather over a hearty vegetarian buffet dinner.
Filled with great stories to share, Tzu Chi University students gather over a hearty vegetarian buffet dinner.
Honoring their tireless dedication to service, Tzu Chi volunteers take a brief pause from dinner for a group picture.
Honoring their tireless dedication to service, Tzu Chi volunteers take a brief pause from dinner for a group picture.
Honoring their tireless dedication to service, Tzu Chi volunteers along with TIMA doctors take a brief pause from dinner for a group picture.
Tzu Chi University Vice President Tsung-Ying Chen shares a warm message of deep gratitude with everyone.
Sharing her journey, Dr. Joyce Rodvie Sagun of the Ear, Nose, and Throat Department (standing, center) thanks Tzu Chi for its unwavering support and expresses hope to foster future collaborations.
Special guests Dr. Angeline Low and Rotary Past District Governor Danny Low (center and right) share their gratitude to Tzu Chi for restoring care, dignity, and full potential to people with disabilities, as ear, nose, and, throat specialist Dr. Joyce Rodvie Sagun (left) looks on.
General Medicine volunteer Dr. Danica Baltazar commends the kitchen team for preparing delicious vegetarian meals that sustained them throughout their stay in Dipolog City.
Dr. Josefino Qua, co-founding member of the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA), proudly presents the total case numbers per department, acknowledging the collective effort of the entire team.
Zamboanga del Norte Honorable Governor Darel Dexter T. Uy declares Tzu Chi’s initiative as the largest medical mission ever held in Dipolog City. He expressed deep gratitude that their province was chosen as the venue of a worthy cause.
Zamboanga del Norte Honorable Governor Darel Dexter T. Uy (third from right), presents a token of appreciation to TIMA co-founding member Dr. Josefino Qua (in white).
Tzu Chi University students present a heartwarming sign language performance.
Taiwan-based Tzu Chi Youth volunteers, alongside their mentors, deliver a heartfelt sign language performance on stage.
Adorned in attire inspired by Taiwan’s indigenous cultures, Taiwan-based Tzu Chi Youth volunteers delighted the audience with a special dance performance.
Joined by doctors and fellow volunteers on stage, Tzu Chi Deputy CEO Woon Ng dances along with the Tzu Chi family.
A striking drone view captures the conclusion of the three-day medical mission in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte.
In a warm gathering at the Tzu Chi cafe, Tzu Chi Philippines hosts a special gratitude night to celebrate the youth volunteers from Taiwan.
Reflecting on her time in the Philippines, Smile, a youth volunteer from Taiwan, shares her deeply inspiring Tzu Chi journey.
In an emotional farewell , volunteers and youth exchange hugs and tears of joy.
In an emotional farewell, volunteers and youth exchange hugs and tears of joy.
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez (center) shares a joyful moment as he joins youth volunteers from Taiwan in a lively dance.
Australian-based couple Rotary PDG Danny Low (second from left) and Dr. Angeline Low (far right) graced the event, alongside Tzu Chi volunteers Johnny Kwok (far left) and Sally Yuñez (second from right).
Expressing appreciation for their hard work, Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez personally gifts snack bags to the Taiwan youth volunteers for their journey back home.
A sweet moment to cherish as the Tzu Chi family from Taiwan, Malaysia, and the Philippines gathers for a group photo.