June 9, 2022
Tzu Chi volunteers hold tea party in Davao City
By Ben Baquilod
Manila and Davao volunteers hold tea party at the Star Hotel in Davao City on June 5, a day after their visit to the Tzu Chi Davao banana planting project in Talaingod, Davao del Norte.
Volunteers shared their experience with the Ata Manobo community in Sitio Napisulan, Purok 14, Brgy. Sto Niño, Talaingod. They drove three hours from Davao City and hiked through steep roads to reach the site. “We are happy to have them here. And they seemed to have fun crossing the river. They enjoyed it much,” reports Chua.
The project, which commenced in January, is part of Tzu Chi’s hunger alleviation and poverty program, aiming to provide sustainable livelihood to the indigenous group. “We saw how difficult the lives of the Ata Manobo are. We thought they really need help,” says Chua.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Henry Yuñez shared with volunteers and guests Tzu Chi’s accomplishments during the pandemic. One of which is its reception of the highest level of accreditation by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for satisfactorily complying with Third Level standards in the implementation of community-based programs and services for children and youth and their families.
Yuñez reported on the COVID-19 pandemic response where Tzu Chi donated medical supplies and equipment to various hospitals nationwide and provided more than a million kilos of rice and other household needs to thousands of displaced workers. He also shared about the Typhoon Odette disaster relief efforts in Bohol, Cebu, and Southern Leyte.
Moreover, the CEO shared the plans about Tzu Chi’s upcoming projects including the Tzu Chi Philippines Great Love Preschool, the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus (BTCC) Unity Hall, Palo Permanent Housing Project, and the establishment of Angeles (Pampanga) and Bicol Office. “Today, we use this opportunity to conduct a tea party to invite more people to join us here in Tzu Chi,” he says.
Davao volunteer Ang Mei Yuan thanked CEO Henry Yuñez for coming to Davao. They invited guests who have been supporting and donating for Tzu Chi’s humanitarian efforts. “We hope that they can join us next time as volunteers,” says Yuan.
Guest from Davao Lyu Yuliang was happy to participate in the event. Having learned Tzu Chi’s efforts around the world, he was touched even more to contribute to the mission. “I am very grateful that my brothers and sisters invited me here. I’m very honored to participate in this activity and it makes me feel more meaning in life.”
Manila and Davao volunteers hold tea party the Star Hotel in Davao City. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Manila and Davao volunteers hold tea party the Star Hotel in Davao City. 【Photo by Daniel Lazar】
Manila and Davao volunteers hold tea party the Star Hotel in Davao City. 【Photo by Daniel Lazar】
Guests join Manila and Davao volunteers in a tea party the Star Hotel in Davao City. 【Photo by Daniel Lazar】
Davao volunteer Annie Shi hosts the tea party at the Star Hotel in Davao City. 【Photo by Daniel Lazar】
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Henry Yuñez shares with volunteers and guests Tzu Chi’s accomplishments during the pandemic. 【Photo by Daniel Lazar】
Davao volunteers share their experiences and learnings in Tzu Chi. 【Photo by Daniel Lazar】
Davao volunteer shares his experiences and learnings in Tzu Chi. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Davao volunteer shares his experiences and learnings in Tzu Chi. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Manila volunteers share their experiences and learnings in Tzu Chi. 【Photo by Daniel Lazar】
Pampanga volunteers share their experiences and learnings in Tzu Chi. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Volunteers lead the One Family song number at the tea party. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Guests join in the One Family performance at the tea party. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
Guests join in the One Family performance at the tea party. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】
“I am very grateful that my brothers and sisters invited me here. I’m very honored to participate in this activity and it makes me feel more meaning in life,” says guest Lyu Yuliang.
Volunteers pose for a group photo after the tea party. 【Photo by Matt Serrano】