March 12, 2025
Tzu Chi Philippines signs MOA with Leyte Normal University
By Dorothy Castro
On February 17, Tzu Chi Foundation and Leyte Normal University (LNU) solidified their partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement, which supports the studies of qualified LNU students through Tzu Chi’s Educational Assistance Program.
The signing took place at LNU’s campus in Tacloban, and was attended by LNU President Dr. Evelyn Aguirre, Vice President for Academic Services Dr. Lina Fabian, and Scholarship Director Liza Bacierra as well as Tzu Chi volunteers led by CEO Henry Yuñez.
A state university that is celebrating its 104th founding year, LNU was ranked 131 among the Global Top 300 Innovative Universities of the World University Rankings for Education in 2024.
Tzu Chi has been supporting partner schools since the launch of its Educational Assistance Program in 1995, aiding students’ needs in their day-to-day expenses, as well as providing character formation and giving the scholars avenues to embody volunteerism through monthly Humanity classes.
Striving to provide equitable and accessible education and ensuring the success of scholars is the common ground shared by Tzu Chi and LNU.
Tzu Chi scholarships were awarded to 14 LNU students–or “Normalistas” as they’re informally called.
Espiranza Obinguar, whose family received permanent housing in Tzu Chi Palo Great Love Village, was among those who were granted a scholarship. “Tzu Chi has not only helped me have a new home, but also honed me through education, good values, and compassion for my fellow men,” she shared. She is taking her Bachelor of Secondary Education, majoring in Filipino.
Those who benefited from a Tzu Chi scholarship were also on hand to personally thank the volunteers and show newly awarded scholars how a scholarship can change their life. LNU alumnae Roxanne Dayata touched hearts with her inspiring story. Encountering Tzu Chi’s Palo office led her to a new purpose: volunteering to document the stories of volunteers and scholars in Leyte. Eventually, she became a scholar herself, taking up a Bachelor of Arts in English Language.
“Tzu Chi has given me more than just financial support. It has taught me humility, resilience, and the importance of staying grounded,” shared Dayata, a project assistant at Tzu Chi Palo.
“I can confidently say that Tzu Chi scholars embody the values of love, service, and compassion. Their willingness to volunteer is [also] proof that Tzu Chi shaped them into individuals who are not just scholars but also selfless members of the community.”
*images sourced from Leyte Normal University*
Tzu Chi volunteers and staff members participate in a discussion with Dr. Evelyn Aguirre (center), president of Leyte Normal University.
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez (right), shares a warm greeting with Leyte Normal University President Dr. Evelyn Aguirre (left).
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez shares his enthusiasm in providing more scholarship opportunities to students through the partnership with Leyte Normal University.
Representatives from Tzu Chi Philippines and Leyte Normal University take a photo after a fruitful discussion on partnerships.
Fourteen Tzu Chi scholars attend the awarding of scholarships during the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing between Tzu Chi Philippines and Leyte Normal University.
Espiranza Obinguar shares her story as a recipient of Tzu Chi’s scholarship through the Educational Assistance Program.
Roxanne Dayata, former Tzu Chi scholar and now project assistant at Tzu Chi Palo, thanked Leyte Normal University for shaping her as a student, and Tzu Chi for supporting her education and values formation.
Representatives from Leyte Normal University and Tzu Chi Philippines pose for a photo with the signatories (front row, from left) LNU Scholarship Director Liza Bacierra, LNU President Dr. Evelyn Aguirre, Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez, and Tzu Chi Philippines Volunteer Head of Education Committee Rosa So.
Tzu Chi scholars from Leyte Normal University receive a token of appreciation from Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez.
Leyte Normal University President Dr. Evelyn Aguirre congratulates a newly awarded Tzu Chi scholar.
Tzu Chi scholars from Leyte Normal University receive a token of appreciation from Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez.
Vice President for Academic Services Dr. Lina G. Fabian shares her message of appreciation during the event.
Tzu Chi Philippines Education Committee Head Rosa So expressed her appreciation for the partnership with Leyte Normal University.
Tzu Chi volunteers, staff, and scholars take a photo after the successful awarding of scholarships.