Tzu Chi Philippines celebrates 30th anniversary with Diligence Camp

November 13, 2024

Tzu Chi Philippines celebrates 30th anniversary with Diligence Camp

Tzu Chi Taiwan CEO, Dharma Masters De Bei and De Pei, and Kaohsiung commissioners join four days of reflection and celebration

By Arvin Yanga

After three decades of upholding the power of compassion, Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines commemorated its 30th anniversary with over 300 guests and participants through a three-day Diligence Camp and one-day special celebration at Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila, from November 7 to 10.

Tzu Chi Taiwan CEO Po-Wen Yen, together with first-timers to the Philippines Dharma Masters De Bei and De Pei and 10 Kaohsiung commissioners traveled from Taiwan, adjusting their schedules to join this remarkable event.

“It was not easy to walk for 30 years and stand in such a solemn place of Buddhism,” first Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Linda Chua reflected, being grateful to the foundation’s journey towards compassion and relief. “I felt very blessed.”

Under the theme “From Seed to Full-Bloom: Celebrating 30 Years of Steadfast Loving-Kindness,” the camp united volunteers from across the Philippines—Manila, Marikina, San Mateo, Iloilo, Palo, Davao, Cebu, Pampanga, and Zamboanga—with their Taiwanese counterparts.

Beyond its role as a refresher on Tzu Chi values and etiquette, the camp became a tapestry of shared memories, weaving together three decades of compassionate service in both Taiwan and the Philippines.

For first-time event leaders Lin Ming Ya, Qiu Ming Ya, and Chen Cheng Fen, coordinating the camp proved to be a journey of self-cultivation. “They gave us this opportunity to improve ourselves,” they reflected, embracing their mission with determination.

Participants immersed themselves in a rich program of activities—from insightful talks and group discussions to hands-on workshops in communications and disaster relief. The experience was enriched by walking meditation, religious instruments practice, and heartwarming performances by Tzu Chi Youth, staff, and scholars.

In his address, Tzu Chi Taiwan CEO Yen emphasized adaptability as key to sustainability. Meanwhile, Dharma Master De Bei transported volunteers to Tzu Chi's early days, sharing the challenges faced by founder Master Cheng Yen. Dharma Master De Pei focused on nurturing ideal talents while upholding the 10 precepts.

The Kaohsiung commissioners shared their expertise through specialized workshops, offering Filipino volunteers firsthand insights into Tzu Chi's practices in Taiwan.

For Manila volunteer Joy Gatdula, whose Tzu Chi journey began with Tai Chi exercise, the camp represented continuous growth. “It's about preparing us continuously in cultivating ourselves to be better volunteers and better sharers of blessing,” she said, grateful for the wisdom and experiences freely given. “It's about the Bodhisattva way.”

First-time participant Elizabeth Lucero from Iloilo captured the camp's impact simply: “I've learned a lot—the teachings and values of Tzu Chi.”

Unlike the restricted interactions of 2022, the camp's gratitude night on the third day resonated with unbridled joy and laughter. As the celebration drew to a close, Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez, alongside his predecessors and deputies, gathered around a Philippine flag-inspired three-tier cake with an inspiring message from him: “Let's continue to strive harder and carry on the torch for the next 30 years.”

The anniversary celebration open to guests culminated on November 10 with Master Cheng Yen's letter of blessing. Though unable to attend in person or speak live, she wished for increased joy, peace, happiness, and wisdom for all Tzu Chi benevolent people and guests.

“May Tzu Chi's mission continue for countless 30 years, purifying people's hearts, harmonizing society, and the world.”

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of Tzu Chi Philippines, participants of the 2024 Diligence Camp gather for a group photo with Dharma Masters De Bei and De Pei, Tzu Chi Taiwan CEO Po-Wen Yen, and Kaohsiung commissioners.

The seventh day of November marks the arrival of the venerable guests, joining Tzu Chi Philippines’ phenomenal four days of reflection and celebration.

Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez (right) cheerfully initiated the welcoming of Taiwan guests, including Dharma Masters De Bei (center) and De Pei (left).

To be diligent, Tzu Chi volunteers recall and practice the proper eating etiquette.

(From left) Camp coordinators Lin Ming Ya, Qiu Ming Ya, and Chen Cheng Fen organize the diligence camp without any prior experience. “We are very grateful to [CEO Yuñez] for letting the three of us have the opportunity to learn together.”

“We have to be grateful to those in need that they give us a chance to help them,” Dharma Master De Bei said, emphasizing that Tzu Chi is a gratitude family.

Before the sun rises, participants engage in the respectable walking meditation, led by the Dharma Masters.

“We all worked together to welcome the 30th anniversary, which was very exciting and [could have] an impact on the next 30 years,” said first Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Linda Chua.

The walking meditation involves slow, measured steps.

Tzu Chi Taiwan CEO Po-wen Yen discusses the sustainable development goals to nurture the future of Tzu Chi Foundation. “We have to keep adjusting and improve our ways.”

Honorable guests from Taiwan take a tour around the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

Camp participants form a circle in a group discussion with Kaohsiung commissioners.

“These are the people that will really make your life more meaningful,” said Tzu Chi Iloilo volunteer Elizabeth Lucero on her experience with Tzu Chi’s Diligence Camp.

Elizabeth Lucero (center) shares her insights to her group during focus group discussions.

Dharma Master De Pei teaches a Tzu Chi volunteer the proper way to strike a bell.

Dharma Master De Bei (right) teaches a Tzu Chi volunteer the proper way to strike a bell.

“We are so privileged and so blessed, and they are so generous in sharing both the technical and the non-technical expertise,” said Tzu Chi Manila volunteer Joy Gatdula who expressed her appreciation to the Kaohsiung volunteers during the camp.

Joy Gatdula (holding microphone) led the reporting of their group work.

Tzu Chi Youth performs sign language along with a video of Tzu Chi’s three-chapter journey.

Tzu Chi scholars sing and perform “Where the Sun Lingers with Love.”

Dharma Master De Pei reads the heartfelt letter of blessing by Dharma Master Cheng Yen, the founder of Tzu Chi. “May Tzu Chi's mission continue for countless 30 years, purifying people's hearts, harmonizing society, and the world.”

Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez shares a message to Tzu Chi Philippines alongside his predecessors and deputies with a three-layer PH flag-inspired cake in front. “Let's continue to strive harder and carry on the torch for the next 30 years.”

Camp participants form themselves as candles, signifying that Tzu Chi volunteers and commissioners bring light to other people’s lives.

Camp participants hold hands and merrily celebrate the 30th anniversary of Tzu Chi Philippines.

Longtime volunteers, including CEO Yuñez, wear a headdress of the year they started in Tzu Chi Philippines.

Three decades were not an easy path. This allowed everyone inside the Jing Si Hall to cheer for the notable milestone of Tzu Chi Philippines.

Tzu Chi hopes to involve the younger generations, and this little girl is a living testament that it is possible.

CEO Yuñez hugs a Kaohsiung commissioner as he gives out the anniversary souvenir.

Ten Kaohsiung commissioners serve as a guiding light during the Diligence Camp, offering their firsthand experiences and expertise and turning it into practice by the participants.