April 24, 2025
Tzu Chi recognizes 24 new Tech-Voc scholars
By Joy Rojas
Kim Berly Bon and Katrina Joy Torralba have months to go before they complete their respective courses under Tzu Chi Philippines’ Technical-Vocational program. But even today, their lives are forever impacted by this opportunity to learn viable skills through classes sponsored entirely by Tzu Chi and its longtime partner, Lao Foundation, Inc. (LFI).
Speaking before their benefactors, Tzu Chi volunteers, and fellow scholars at an awarding of new scholars on April 22 at the Harmony Hall of Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila, Bon and Torralba recalled their life’s struggles and how a scholarship restored their hope and confidence, allowing them to put in the time to achieve a better future for themselves and their families.
With her father in jail and her mother focused on her new family, Bon has known nothing but hardship. Raised by different relatives, the eldest of five siblings took on whatever work she could find. In the province, she was a child farmer; in Manila, where she moved after high school, she was a restaurant cashier for nine years until the establishment closed permanently in February.
A solo parent to two boys ages 10 and 5, Bon could not afford to be jobless. Her younger son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and requires regular therapy.
And yet, in another low point of a life filled with disappointments, she received an unexpected lifeline—an ad from the Tzu Chi Foundation looking for applicants for its caregiving scholarship program.
“Caregiving is an in-demand job not only in the Philippines but overseas. And the salary is good. That’s why I didn’t hesitate to apply,” she said.
As part of Tech-Voc’s Batch 11 of caregiving scholars, Bon was only after the free tuition. “But they gave us free transportation, free uniforms, free food, and so much more,” she said. “That’s why I’m so grateful to Tzu Chi. The foundation saw our determination and goal to reach our dreams. I promise not to waste this opportunity.”
For a while, Katrina Joy Torralba was happy with her peaceful, simple life. Her mother sold home-cooked meals and her father coached a basketball team in school. But when she turned 18, her parents split up, and it was all downhill from there.
Living at first with her father, and then her mother, she lost her scholarship then stopped studying completely because neither parent had the resources to fund her education.
In her desire to help the family, she worked a series of odd jobs. Today, she divides her time between driving a tricycle and painting condominiums on contractual basis.
Even with regular income, Torralba is aware of the value of education and the doors that it can open. So when a cousin showed her Tzu Chi’s announcement looking for Tech-Voc scholars, she applied immediately to its machining course. “I chose it because it’s close to the activities that I do,” she said.
There’s another reason why Torralba didn’t think twice about Tzu Chi’s invitation. She and her family were among those who received aid from the humanitarian organization during one of its many relief efforts. If Tzu Chi didn’t fail her then; it didn’t fail her now.
“All that you have done for me in the past and today is such a big help,” she said. “I will do everything I can to study well and make this worth your while.”
Listening in awe, LFI Chairman of the Board Jun Lao was moved by the life-changing stories shared by Bon, Torralba, and Tech-Voc scholars past and present. Like Tzu Chi, LFI offers scholarship and livelihood programs to the underprivileged, giving them a shot at making something of themselves through hard work and perseverance.
“All we want to do is help,” he said. “Our relationship with Tzu Chi started with very small partnerships. Over the years, it has grown stronger. Your stories are so heartwarming. It’s an encouragement for our foundation to keep the support going.”
At an awarding ceremony for new scholars under Tzu Chi’s Technical-Vocational program, 18 are studying to be caregivers, six are undergoing training as machine operations.
Present at the awarding ceremony were (front row, from left) Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez; Lao Foundation, Inc. Chairman of the Board Jun Lao; (back row, from left) Lao Foundation, Inc. Cristina Viray; and Tzu Chi volunteer James Cheng.
In her opening remarks, Tzu Chi Philippines Deputy CEO Woon Ng reminded everyone that “together, we are building not just careers but better lives, stronger communities, and a more compassionate society.”
Milca Serrano, who was part of Batch 9’s caregiving scholars, encourages new scholars to do their best in the face of challenges. “Nothing is impossible for as long as we believe in our abilities.”
Unable to find work due to his limited educational attainment, Gerald Seciban is confident he can get a job as a welder after his on-the-job training for Tech-Voc’s welding course. “I realized that there's still a chance for someone like me to have a new beginning, a place to start again, to get stable work, and to build a career,” he said.
New caregiving scholar Kim Berly Bon assumed she was only going to get free tuition. “But they gave us free transportation, free uniforms, free food, and so much more,” she said. “That’s why I’m so grateful to Tzu Chi. The foundation saw our determination and goal to reach our dreams.”
Before she became a scholar of Tech-Voc’s machine operator course, Katrina Joy Torralba received aid from Tzu Chi during one of its many relief efforts. “All that you have done for me in the past and today is such a big help,” she said.
Lao Foundation, Inc. Chairman of the Board Jun Lao was visibly moved by the success stories shared by scholars during the awarding ceremony. “Your stories are so heartwarming,” he said. “It’s an encouragement for our foundation to keep the support going.”
Scholars from Tech-Voc’s Batch 6 machining course pose with Tzu Chi volunteers and representatives from Lao Foundation, Inc.
Scholars from Tech-Voc’s Batch 11 caregiving course pose with Tzu Chi volunteers and representatives from Lao Foundation, Inc.