February 13, 2025
Tzu Chi Pampanga brings aid, joy to Munting Tahanan ng Nazareth
By Arvin Yanga
Tzu Chi Pampanga marked its first-ever outreach program at Munting Tahanan ng Nazareth in Mabalacat on February 9, mobilizing 33 scholars, nine volunteers, five youth members, and seven staff to support the institution’s 38 differently abled residents.
The foundation delivered two wheelchairs, a hospital bed for the institution’s future clinic, school supplies, four sacks of 50-kilogram rice, five 250-gram cocoa powder, three boxes of coffee, biscuits, masks, socks, cooking ingredients, and hygiene products. These donations were carefully selected based on recommendations from Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez.
“We hope they can make good use of these supplies,” said Tzu Chi Pampanga volunteer Pansy Ho, who has maintained close ties with Munting Tahanan since 2013. “Especially the hospital bed for their future clinic. This will help when doctors come to check on the children.”
Munting Tahanan ng Nazareth, established in 1992 by former Rev. Fr. Rogelio C. Yambao, currently houses 23 boys and 15 girls ranging from 7 to 59 years old. The residents face various challenges including developmental disorders like cerebral palsy, autism, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), intellectual disability, and epileptic episodes.
While the institution is no stranger to Tzu Chi’s generosity, having received continuous donations from the Buddhist organization, this marked its first comprehensive outreach program.
Daniella Diana Macogue, social welfare officer of Tzu Chi’s Charity Department, highlighted the significance of this milestone. "Today, we fulfilled Tzu Chi's mission to alleviate the suffering of society’s most vulnerable, bring them happiness, and give their institution new hope,” she said.
The program came alive when Tzu Chi Pampanga scholars led an interactive session designed to lift spirits. Their signature Christmas carol performance brought smiles to the beneficiaries. A lively game called “I wanna be a tutubi,” that involved secretly passing a small stone and asking the audience to guess who has it, left residents–even those wearing face masks or seated in wheelchairs–fully engaged.
For John Christian Muje, a third-year Bachelor of Secondary Education in Science student from Pampanga State University, the experience challenged common misconceptions. “In our society, when people encounter those with special needs, they are afraid of them,” said Muje. “But we can socialize with them because they have a good heart, and they've been wanting to interact with us ‘normal’ people.”
“We want our scholars to understand that they too can be givers not just receivers," Ho explained, emphasizing the importance of scholars recognizing their capacity to help others despite their own challenges.
The program stood out for its unique approach, particularly through sign language performances, according to Clarie Jane Caliboso, social worker at Munting Tahanan ng Nazareth. In a touching surprise, the residents prepared their own dance performance for their benefactors, creating a scene filled with genuine joy and celebration—a testament to the power of unity and harmony.
“We are indeed grateful because our children have the opportunity to get along with other people,” Caliboso said. “Thank you for visiting us and choosing us to conduct this type of activity with.”
As Munting Tahanan ng Nazareth relies heavily on donations for its operations, social worker Vivian Alonzo voiced both gratitude and hope for continued support. “We extend our deepest gratitude to the Tzu Chi Foundation and Master Cheng Yen. We hope you never get tired of supporting and visiting our institution, especially for the sake of our children.”
Tzu Chi Pampanga conducts its first outreach program at Munting Tahanan ng Nazareth in Mabalacat on February 9, bringing essential donations and joyful interactions to residents.
Tzu Chi volunteer Pansy Ho assists in delivering one of two wheelchairs donated to Munting Tahanan ng Nazareth.
Tzu Chi staff members and scholars work together to transport a hospital bed, which will serve the institution's future clinic.
Tzu Chi volunteers sort through school supplies, part of the comprehensive donation package for Munting Tahanan ng Nazareth residents.
The complete donation package includes a hospital bed, two wheelchairs, four sacks of 50-kilogram rice, five 250-gram cocoa powder, three boxes of coffee, biscuits, masks, socks, cooking ingredients, and hygiene products to support the institution's daily operations.
The complete donation package includes a hospital bed, two wheelchairs, four sacks of 50-kilogram rice, five 250-gram cocoa powder, three boxes of coffee, biscuits, masks, socks, cooking ingredients, and hygiene products to support the institution's daily operations.
Tzu Chi scholars make their way to meet the beneficiaries gathered under the facility’s shelter.
Residents of Munting Tahanan ng Nazareth, aged 7 to 59, find a sanctuary where their unique needs are understood and met.
The institution provides care for individuals with various conditions, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual disability, and epileptic episodes.
Despite their challenges, Munting Tahanan ng Nazareth residents maintain their spirit and warmth.
Tzu Chi Scholar John Christian Muje shares his personal journey and the impact of Tzu Chi Foundation’s support.
Tzu Chi scholars bring holiday cheer through their signature Christmas carol performance.
The Christmas carol presentation draws smiles from both performers and audience.
Tzu Chi scholars engage residents in “I wanna be a tutubi,” a game where participants pass a small stone while others try to guess where it is.
Residents participate enthusiastically in the guessing game, creating moments of joy and connection.
The “One Family” sign language performance by Tzu Chi scholars bridges communication barriers.
“Every time I see these residents, I feel blessed that we can help them,” says Pansy Ho, who has maintained close ties with Munting Tahanan ng Nazareth since 2013.
“These donations are a big help for us,” says social worker Vivian Alonzo, expressing gratitude to Tzu Chi Foundation on behalf of Munting Tahanan ng Nazareth.
Munting Tahanan ng Nazareth residents surprise their visitors with a specially prepared dance performance.
The celebration brings beneficiaries, volunteers, staff, and scholars in shared joy.
Tzu Chi volunteers are all smiles as they watch beneficiaries showcase their talents.
Vivian Alonzo leads residents in joining the Tzu Chi Prayer, symbolizing unity and gratitude.
Tzu Chi volunteers and scholars conclude the program with three ceremonial bows, honoring the founder, Dharma Master Cheng Yen.
The successful outreach program exemplifies Tzu Chi Foundation's commitment to bringing both material aid and human warmth to Munting Tahanan ng Nazareth, where smiles now shine brighter than ever.