August 15, 2026
Tzu Chi Youth and students immerse in Dipolog medical mission
By Thania Florendo
Tzu Chi’s 292nd Medical Mission in Dipolog welcomed 62 overseas volunteers from Taiwan and Malaysia, including 13 Tzu Chi Youth and 35 students from Tzu Chi University (TCU) in Taiwan, for three days of service from August 6 to 8.
Through their active involvement in the medical mission, the young volunteers gained a deeper understanding of different communities, their needs, and how such experiences can shape their values, mindfulness, and character.
Tzu Chi Youth Lai Wan Yi from Malaysia grew up accompanying her parents, who are Tzu Chi volunteers, in charity activities. For her, being a Tzu Ching (“compassionate youth”) provides a meaningful platform to learn while helping communities grow and spreading love.
“I didn’t think that I could become this kind of person, but over time, through attending events, I came to understand why I should do it and how I should do it. It is very hard for only one person to share. It’s not something for myself. I do it, I share it, I help them and make them feel happy,” she said.
Her experience in the medical mission impressed her, particularly the way the large number of patients was handled in an organized manner. Together with other youth volunteers, she was assigned to different tasks, including preparing entertainment such as singing, dancing, and informative skits for patients while they waited.
“The people here may be suffering for months or years, but the 10-minute consultation with the doctors makes them feel better,” she said.
One of her most memorable experiences was helping in the pharmacy, where she saw how handing out medicine could also mean giving patients a sense of relief.
Low Xin Yu, a second-year Malaysian student from TCU, had her fair share of experiences volunteering in medical missions together with her mother who is also a member of the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA). Currently taking up medical imaging and radiological sciences, she took the chance to volunteer in the Philippines.
“I don’t want to waste my summer vacation, so I preferred to come here and volunteer to help. I want to observe how the medical missions in other countries work,” she said.
Low Xin Yu heard a lot of positive feedback about joining similar activities, which encouraged her. She also carried with her a lesson from one of her teachers: Helping others can also be a way of helping oneself.
Although she expected the medical mission to be hot and crowded, she was surprised by how well the organizers managed the large number of patients with comfortable facilities and enough food. The experience also gave her a closer look at the disparities in people’s lives, particularly among patients who have limited access to healthcare.
“We see the differences in people’s lives, and that can be a reason to be patient with others. I hope [that patients'] needs were provided because this is a good chance to see a doctor for free. I hope they feel comfortable and respected with how every volunteer treated them,” she said.
Her most memorable experience came on the first day when she entered the operating room. Although she hopes to become a radiographer, she was interested in observing hernia and thyroid surgeries.
“I saw the surgeries up close, and I think it’s a memorable and amazing experience for me. I am excited to take part in future medical missions,” she said.
The young volunteers also found mentors among the medical professionals from TIMA, who served alongside them.
Dr. Ma. Louisa Peralta, who was assigned to pediatrics during the medical mission, has been practicing medicine for 55 years. Even after retiring from the University of Santo Tomas, where she taught, , she continues to teach, seeing education and patient care as part of her purpose in life.
During the medical mission, she took time to guide the students from Taiwan, answering their questions and sharing her experiences in medicine.
“I’m happy to teach what I know and they are really eager to learn. Since they are from other countries, they are encountering something new in a third-world country,” she said.
She noted how the students are happy and interested to be here and that she is happy to entertain their questions as well.
For the young volunteers, the three-day mission became an opportunity to serve and affirm their purpose in life. It became a space to learn from patients, medical professionals, and fellow volunteers. It is an experience worth sharing when they get back to their homes.
Tzu Chi Youth performs for patients waiting to enter the venue.
Tzu Chi Youth performs for patients waiting to enter the venue.
Tzu Chi Youth performs skits and engages patients in informative activities while they wait to enter the venue.
Tzu Chi Youth’s nonstop effort and positive energy radiate hope to patients waiting in line.
Tzu Chi Youth’s nonstop effort and positive energy radiate hope to patients waiting in line.
Tzu Chi Youth’s nonstop effort and positive energy radiate hope to patients waiting in line.
Tzu Chi Youth’s nonstop effort and positive energy radiate hope to patients waiting in line.
Some Tzu Chings (“compassionate youth”) are assigned to assist in ophthalmology, where they give free reading glasses.
Some Tzu Chings give assistance and comfort to the patients in dental care.
A Tzu Ching took time to explain the history of the foundation and its missions to a patient.
Lai Wan Yi (first row, second from right) shared that before coming to the medical mission, she and the Tzu Chings have spent a lot of time practicing for their performances.
Student representatives from TCU share their experiences and overall impression of the medical mission during the Gratitude Night.
TCU second year student Low Xin Yu shares how thankful she is to be part of the patient’s healing journey and for her to learn more about medicine.
Low Xin Yu (center) closely observes procedures inside the surgery room.
TCU students don full surgical attire to observe a surgical procedure.
TCU students were also present in assisting the dental area.
TIMA volunteer Dr. Ma. Louisa Peralta (in light blue) actively interacts with the students from TCU.
Dr. Ma. Louisa Peralta (left) shares that she was invited by her former student, Dr. Alanna Dy, to try volunteering for Tzu Chi. They worked side by side during the Dipolog Medical Mission.
Dr. Ma. Louisa Peralta shares that one of her purposes in life is to teach students because she believes that medicine is a dynamic science.
A TCU student (standing) closely observes as a TIMA doctor assesses patients.
A TCU student tries to help in the triage area while being guided by the volunteers from the local government unit.
TCU students closely listen to the explanations of a TIMA doctor.