August 2, 2025
Tzu Chi signs MOA with Globo Asiatico, Transmedic Philippines
By Dorothy Castro
On July 24, Tzu Chi Philippines signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Globo Asiatico Enterprises, Inc. and Transmedic Philippines Inc. (formerly known as Pacific Surgical), to enhance the process of providing support to medical beneficiaries in need of medicine or surgical implants through patient referrals.
“I am very happy that we can finally sign a Memorandum of Agreement with two very prestigious companies,” Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez remarked. For him, this move is meant to uplift the lives of many Filipinos who take on the role of breadwinners in their families.
Over the years, his experience of witnessing breadwinners suffer due to ailments and financial constraints pushed him to further pursue partnerships with the medical industry.
To Yuñez, each day that a breadwinner is hospitalized not only means a loss of income; it leads to mounting expenses and medical bills.
Fulfilling the mission of charity through the Medical Assistance Program (MAP), Tzu Chi Philippines has been working with institutions such as Globo Asiatico and Transmedic Philippines to facilitate access to costly medicines and medical devices through referrals, which are a big help to indigent families.
Since 2019, Tzu Chi and Globo Asiatico have been supporting patients undergoing treatments for illnesses such as cancer and autoimmune diseases, among others, providing “life-saving medicines and treatments that not only ease pain, but rekindle hope in the hearts of those who might otherwise feel they are being forgotten,” Tzu Chi Philippines Deputy CEO Woon Ng expressed.
This is a “shared commitment to bringing essential medicine to indigent patients, many of whom are relying on these resources for hope and healing,” shared Julita Geronimo, president and CEO of Globo Asiatico.
This hope is seen in the eyes of 55-year-old Jocelyn Ladeño, who has been continuing her chemotherapy treatments with the help of Globo Asiatico and Tzu Chi. An overseas Filipino worker in Hong Kong, she had to return home after being diagnosed with stage 1A breast cancer. In February 2025, she was granted assistance for her medicine and chemotherapy treatments. Ladeño showed her gratitude, hoping that this partnership reaches more people in need.
For orthopedic patients, Transmedic Philippines has been working closely with Tzu Chi since 2023, giving access to surgical implants. Through this partnership, “we have a lot of patients who can return to their normal activities,” said Anna Marie Marcelino, district sales manager of Transmedic Philippines.
Sixty-two-year-old Eilene Ipil, who was diagnosed with supraspinatus tendinopathy, an illness affecting shoulder mobility, served as a testament to this shared goal. After undergoing surgery in March 2024, she is now able to move her shoulder without constraint thanks to her new surgical implant.
“I did not have a hard time asking for help; they gave me the necessary assistance for my condition, and I am now rehabilitated, back to normal,” she said. More than a year after her surgery, she is now able to enjoy life as a housewife and is active in a cycling club.
Truly, this empowerment and transformation is what Tzu Chi envisions with every patient helped; giving them the power to bounce back from their health challenges. Eventually, they lead productive lives, helping uplift the lives of their families and their communities once recovered. It is through these partnerships that the life of a medical assistance beneficiary can be transformed.
From left: Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez, Globo Asiatico Commercial Lead Rose Salamanca, Globo Asiatico President and CEO Julita Geronimo, and Tzu Chi Philippines Deputy CEO Woon Ng.
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez (second from right) greets representatives from Transmedic Philippines.
A meaningful discussion on providing support to indigent patients and their organizations’ work takes place between Tzu Chi Philippines, Globo Asiatico, and Transmedic Philippines.
Rose Salamanca, commercial lead from Globo Asiatico, reads a pamphlet of Jing Si Aphorisms by Dharma Master Cheng Yen.
Tzu Chi Philippines Deputy CEO Woon Ng thanks partner institutions Globo Asiatico and Transmedic Philippines for their unwavering support in the past years, and hopes for a continued relationship as they open opportunities for patient care through the MOA.
Medical Assistance Program beneficiary Jocelyn Ladeño thanks Tzu Chi and Globo Asiatico for supporting her chemotherapy treatment, and their role in her healing.
For Eilene Ipil, a beneficiary of the Medical Assistance Program, the help she received from Tzu Chi and Transmedic Philippines made it possible for her to recover from supraspinatus tendinopathy and return to her activities,
Tzu Chi Philippines and Globo Asiatico sign the Memorandum of Agreement for patient support through the Medical Assistance Program. Globo Asiatico is represented by Julita Geronimo (second from left), president and CEO, and Rose Salamanca (first from left), commercial lead.
Tzu Chi Philippines and Transmedic Philippines sign the Memorandum of Agreement for patient support through the Medical Assistance Program. Transmedic Philippines is represented by Anna Marie Marcelino (second from left), district sales manager, and Mary Reika Ishi (first from left), product specialist.
As a token of appreciation, guests from Globo Asiatico and Transmedic Philippines received gifts from Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez: the book “The Power of Compassion,” detailing the foundation’s humanitarian work in the last 30 years.
“Your support will have a direct and lasting impact on countless lives, and we look forward to a strong and meaningful partnership,” says Julita Geronimo, president and CEO of Globo Asiatico.
A witness to Tzu Chi’s humanitarian work when she received help from the foundation during the COVID-19 pandemic, Anna Marie Marcelino, district sales manager of Transmedic Philippines, expresses her certainty that this partnership will open doors to providing assistance to more patients, helping them recover.
“With this collaboration, let us work together and help more people,” says Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez.
Signatories, Tzu Chi volunteers, staff, and beneficiaries take a group photo after the successful MOA signing.