Tzu Chi turns over newly reconstructed home for scholar

A safer and more comfortable home now awaits Tzu Chi scholar Frank Leonard Namoc and his family after Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines turned over their newly renovated house on November 7, 2026, in Freedom Park 1, Batasan Hills, Quezon City.

Namoc was 10 when he had to live a rough childhood after his parents separated in 2016 due to infidelity. The separation led to both parents establishing their own households and entrusting Frank and his six-month-old sister to their 66-year-old neighbor, Enecita Magdayao. 

Life was hard but Magdayao tried all sorts of work, like being a housekeeper, laundrywoman, and even scavenger. While the two children were growing up, financial assistance from their biological parents was irregular and limited, ranging from ₱500 to ₱2,000 monthly. Namoc had to work as a live online seller, earning  ₱45 per hour, to help support their daily needs. 

Now a third-year college student, Namoc pursues a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at Quezon City University (QCU). He initially sought assistance through Tzu Chi’s scholarship program, hoping to ease his family’s financial difficulties. During her conversation with Namoc, however, Tzu Chi Head Volunteer for the Educational and Medical Assistance Programs Rosa So learned that he, his younger sister, and Magdayao were living in a deteriorating house with very limited space and an unsuitable living environment. 

“When I first talked to him and heard about their situation, I became emotional. Now we decided to build them a concrete house,” Rosa So shared, completely alarmed by concerns regarding the family’s safety, comfort, and overall living environment. 

The project, which began on July 27, was led by Engr. Victor Cheng, who coordinated the planning, sourcing of construction materials, contractor selection, and supervision of the renovation. During the initial assessment, Engr. Cheng described the house as having a low entrance that required its occupants to stoop when entering, a muddy floor, without a proper drainage system, that catches rainwater whenever it rained. 

“The house was small and already deteriorating. Overall, it was not livable,” he recalled.

To address these concerns, the team raised the structure to prevent water from entering and accumulating inside. The improvements also included a concrete structure, a small restroom, and a designated sleeping area for Namoc, his sister, and their guardian. The collective effort of Tzu Chi volunteers, staff, and other generous donors made the project complete on October 17, providing a safer shelter with an improved structure for a more decent living environment. 

With the support of the on-demand delivery and logistics platform Lalamove Philippines, Tzu Chi was able to transport some of the materials and furniture needed for the home renovation.

On turnover day, the family received the keys to their newly renovated home, along with essential household items, including a cabinet, furniture, and groceries to help them settle into their improved living space.

For the family, seeing their home transformed was an overwhelming experience, as it was something they had never expected. The sight of a home so different from what they were used to brought relief after years of enduring leaking roofs, flooding, and other difficulties.

“Now, we can sleep better because we no longer have to worry about the roof leaking or the house flooding whenever it rains. Somehow, life has become lighter because one of our biggest worries has been solved,” Namoc shared.

With their newly renovated home, the Tzu Chi scholar and his family can now look forward to a safer and more comfortable place to live, while he continues working toward the future he hopes to build for them. He expressed his gratitude to the donors, volunteers, and everyone who contributed to making the renovation possible.

“When I am fortunate enough to have something of my own, I will make sure to give to others who are also in need, just as Tzu Chi did for us,” he promised.

The project reaffirms the foundation’s commitment to supporting scholars beyond their educational needs, recognizing that difficult circumstances at home can also affect their ability to pursue their studies.

Like Frank Namoc, many scholars are born into circumstances they did not choose and should not have to be defined by. With the right support and opportunities, they, too, can build a better future for themselves. Help more scholars rise above their circumstances and become the best versions of themselves. Your generosity can change a life. Donate today!

Metrobank:

Account Name: Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines Inc.

Account Number: 163-3-163-07190-9

BDO: 

Account Name: Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines Inc. 

Account Number: 011-9-7800-180-0