October 10, 2024
Tzu Chi signs MOU for scholarships with TUP Manila
By Dorothy Castro
On October 8, representatives of Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines and the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) Manila signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila. The MOU grants more scholarship opportunities for TUP students from underprivileged families.
Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines’ Educational Assistance Program strengthens partnerships between state universities and colleges, one of them being TUP. This MOU systematizes the processes that incoming scholars and partner universities undergo, such as scholarship applications, assessment of academic performance, and other vital information towards the success of each scholar.
Most of all, this agreement between TUP and Tzu Chi is an opportunity for scholars to “pursue academic excellence without the burden of financial constraints,” says Engineer Ryan Reyes, TUP vice president for academic affairs.
The MOU completes the holistic approach to education, with TUP imparting the essential skills and knowledge in the student’s chosen disciplines and Tzu Chi building a student’s character and formation. This partnership, in turn, fulfills the goal “to sustain and strengthen our partnership, not only in the field of scholarship but also in the programs that would promote increased social responsibility and protection of the environment,” said Rosa So, Tzu Chi Education Committee head.
To Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez, this opens the road to “the common goal of empowering our scholars through education and humanitarian service, representing the power of education and the strength of compassion.”
The goal to empower scholars and transform their lives is seen in the journey of Tzu Chi scholar alumnus and TUP graduate Gene Delos Santos, who completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Technology, major in Electronics and Communications Technology.
A Tzu Chi scholarship made Delos Santos’ vision of an elusive diploma possible. His love for his family and passion for electronics pushed him to apply for the scholarship and complete his studies, gaining lessons in character formation. Now a staff member at Tzu Chi, he continues to apply this knowledge through his work as an IT and AV Tech.
Likewise, current scholar Ron Caleb Gunda is a testament to Tzu Chi’s commitment to holistic support, receiving medical and educational assistance through the foundation’s charity programs. Once struggling with strabismus or crossed eyes, he underwent surgery to correct it through Tzu Chi’s medical assistance program. The foundation also granted him a scholarship for his undergraduate degree in BS Information Technology. In his 4th year, he is approaching his goal to support his family and create a better life for them.
Tzu Chi’s scholarship program creates a bright future for many young and underprivileged dreamers across different islands in the Philippines. Said Rosa So, “Over time, we can build great character, achieve great success, and cultivate great virtue. Indeed, education is a great investment toward building a new breed of leaders that would continue to make our society better.”
Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez (left) receives guest officials from Technological University of the Philippines - Manila.
Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines and Technological University of the Philippines - Manila met for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on educational assistance.
Tzu Chi Charity Department Social Welfare Officer Almalyn Dinampo hosts the memorandum signing event.
![In her welcoming speech, Tzu Chi Philippines Education Committee Head Rosa So pondered on Tzu Chi’s mission of charity through scholarships. “The ever-changing socioeconomic landscape in the Philippines has also called [on] us to expand our reach to help more poor students finish college and make our educational assistance program more relevant and responsive to the needs of the 21st century learners.”](/assets/news-page/images/5-v21.jpg)
In her welcoming speech, Tzu Chi Philippines Education Committee Head Rosa So pondered on Tzu Chi’s mission of charity through scholarships. “The ever-changing socioeconomic landscape in the Philippines has also called [on] us to expand our reach to help more poor students finish college and make our educational assistance program more relevant and responsive to the needs of the 21st century learners.”
Charity Department Head Tina Pasion presents the Educational Assistance Program of Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines, emphasizing the values and character formation promoted by the foundation through its monthly Humanity classes.
Gene Delos Santos, TUP alumnus and IT and AV Tech at Tzu Chi Philippines, expressed how this scholarship eased the financial challenges of his family. “Until now, I still can't forget the smile on my grandparents’ faces when I said that I was accepted as a scholar,” he recalled.
To current Tzu Chi scholar Ron Caleb Gunda, this scholarship is the light that gave his family hope, helping him “study without financial problems.”
Strengthening the Educational Assistance Program “will not only open doors to countless opportunities but will develop individuals who embody compassion, service, and excellence in their chosen fields,” said Engineer Ryan Reyes, TUP vice president for academic affairs.
For Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez, this partnership is compassion and education at work, “where students not only excel in their chosen fields but also become agents of change, contributing positively to the world.”
Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez (left) and TUP Vice President for Academic Affairs Engineer Ryan Reyes read the Memorandum of Understanding.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed after a meaningful discussion between Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines and the Technological University of the Philippines - Manila.
TUP officials and Tzu Chi Foundation volunteers, staff, and scholar take part in a group photo after a successful signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions.
(From left) Ernita Calayag, special assistant to the president and OIC-director of the planning and development office, Dr. Margaret Aquino, director of the office of student affairs, Engr. Ryan Reyes, TUP vice president for academic affairs, and Elizabeth Verayo, private funded scholarship coordinator all pose for a photo at the Jing Si Abode during their campus tour at BTCC.