February 18, 2025
Tzu Chi reignites volunteerism with two-day camp
By Arvin Yanga
On February 15-16, the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus (BTCC) in Sta. Mesa, Manila, was full of life and warmth, hosting its first New Volunteers Camp since the pandemic. The two-day camp brought together old and new faces, hoping each would join as Tzu Chi volunteers in training.
Twenty-four participants set foot in BTCC, taking their first step in being involved with the foundation. They were guided by 46 Tzu Chi volunteers in their iconic blue-and-white uniforms—a sight that has become well-known in communities that Tzu Chi has helped.
Over two days, participants immersed themselves in Tzu Chi’s world—learning volunteer etiquette, exploring the campus, practicing sign language, and hearing firsthand accounts of the foundation’s origin and impact through discussions and sharings. Among these stories, one stood out the most: the foundation’s major relief efforts to Typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban.
Arlyn Bajen, a Yolanda survivor-turned-Tzu Chi volunteer since 2013, shared her journey through tears. “After Yolanda, we had nothing left. I lost two of my children,” said Bajen of her 4-month-old and 2-year-old who didn’t survive the typhoon. A mother of six children and a wife of a jeepney driver, Bajen walked past the devastated homes and lives at the time, the tragic loss creeping in.
That’s where she found hope from a Tzu Chi volunteer. Since then, Bajen found not just financial support but a new purpose in life. Through Tzu Chi’s cash-for-work program, which provided Php 500 per day to survivors, her volunteering journey began. “I never left after that. I’ve stayed with Tzu Chi ever since.”
Aside from giving back, Bajen found a sense of fulfillment in Tzu Chi. When her neighbors ask why she volunteers without getting paid, Bajen has a heartfelt answer:
“Volunteering is something you choose to do. When you help others and it makes you happy, good things come back to you.”
The camp attracted diverse participants, including young professionals like Kimberly Go. She noticed how Tzu Chi does things in an organized way—from waking up early to eating meals together. She saw it as a good way to learn discipline.
She sees volunteering as an antidote to youth’s emotional struggles. “Instead of feeling down and alone, why not join something like this?” she suggested.
For participant Ivan Tsoi, the camp revealed profound meaning in simple actions. “How you stand, how you hold your bowl—everything has a specific meaning,” he observed. “These small things actually make a big difference.”
Tsoi’s experience led to deeper reflections on gratitude: “There are so many people along the way that you have to be grateful for. Sometimes, you don’t even see them.” When asked about volunteering, Tsoi said he would let “heaven clear the path,” allowing things to flow into place naturally.
Before the camp ended, participant Juliet Go shared how her first moments at BTCC left a lasting impression. “When I came here, a lot of people were smiling, they have a very positive aura, and I told myself ‘What is happening?’” she said “There’s some magic going on here.”
Moved by Tzu Chi’s stories of service, Go plans to contribute by sharing her corporate expertise to help expand the foundation’s donor base,
Tzu Chi volunteer Anqi Cai reminded everyone why their help matters: “There are so many disasters in the Philippines,” she said. “We hope after these two days, people will understand Tzu Chi better and want to join our family in helping others.”
On February 15-16, Tzu Chi hosted its first New Volunteers Camp since the pandemic, welcoming 24 participants.
Attentive participants absorb wisdom from Master Cheng Yen’s teachings on the essence of volunteerism.
A freshly prepared vegetarian focaccia awaited participants, showcasing Tzu Chi’s commitment to mindful eating.
Tzu Chi volunteer Anqi Cai guides participants through Tzu Chi’s etiquette, emphasizing mindfulness in everyday actions.
Tzu Chi Philippines’ first CEO Linda Chua shares the foundation’s humble beginnings in the Philippines.
Kitchen volunteers work tirelessly behind the scenes, preparing meals with dedication and care.
Tzu Chi Education Committee Head Rosa So highlights unique aspects of Tzu Chi’s scholarship program, which nurtures education, character, and health.
Camp participants listen to baker Bien Ang, who explains how Tzu Chi’s bakery prepares baked goods for guests and the foundation’s fundraising efforts.
Bags made from discarded denim, seat covers and floor mats woven together from excess sport sock material, and all-purpose cleaner mixed from fruit and vegetable peeling were showcased by volunteers at Tzu Chi’s upcycling center.
(From left) Tzu Chi volunteers Molita Chua and Sally Yuñez, Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez, and Tzu Chi Deputy CEO Peggy Sy Jiang share their experiences from Typhoon Yolanda relief efforts, highlighting Tzu Chi’s impact in times of disaster.
“After Yolanda, we had nothing left. I lost two of my children,” recalls Arlyn Bajen (foreground), a Tzu Chi volunteer since 2013.
Tzu Chi Youth explain the foundation’s vegetarian practices, as well as its health and environmental impact.
Tzu Chi Youth perform the sign language of “Sunshine, Hope, and Love.”
Camp participant Ivan Tsoi (with mic) found a profound meaning in simple actions during Tzu Chi’s New Volunteers Camp. “These small things actually make a big difference.”
Participants start their day with Tai Chi and Qi Gong, embracing Tzu Chi’s holistic approach to well-being.
“You need to have it in your heart first and really want to do it,” shares camp participant Kimberly Go on what’s needed to become a volunteer.
Participants share a vegetarian lunch, fostering fellowship and mindful eating.
Kitchen volunteers prepared delicious vegetarian meals for camp participants.
A tour of BTCC on Day 2 brings camp participants to replicas of the wooden cabin where Master Cheng Yen spent her early years, the Jing Si Abode, and Jing Si Auditorium.
(From left) Tzu Chi commissioners Savanna Ko, James Cheng, and Ofelia Sy share their transformative journeys with Tzu Chi.
Participant Juliet Go shares how her first moments at BTCC left a lasting impression. “When I came here, a lot of people were smiling, they have a very positive aura, and I told myself 'What is happening?’” she said “There’s some magic going on here.”
Each souvenir bag contains books about Tzu Chi Philippines, coin cans, and Master Cheng Yen’s inspirational messages.
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez distributes angpao containing commemorative coins and rice seeds.
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez distributes angpao containing commemorative coins and rice seeds.