February 28, 2025
Xavier School Nuvali visits Tzu Chi for interfaith event
By Dorothy Castro
On February 6, 118 students from Xavier School Nuvali in Calamba, Laguna, spent a day with Tzu Chi volunteers at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus (BTCC) in Sta. Mesa, Manila. Exploring different religious beliefs in daily life as part of their interfaith activity, the Grade 10 students, welcomed by Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez, gained new lessons on Buddhism through Tzu Chi Foundation’s missions of charity, medicine, education, and humanistic culture.
Though a Catholic school rooted in Jesuit education, Xavier School Nuvali also gives the students a broader perspective and deeper understanding of different religions and life experiences. As part of their community immersion, students have visited different religious groups and engaged in discourse with laborers and former Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs).
At BTCC, students were taught how Buddhism reflects in Tzu Chi’s work. Volunteers detailed their experiences during disaster relief operations, medical missions, and environmental protection initiatives in and outside the metro.
Tzu Chi Philippines Deputy CEO Peggy Sy Jiang led the introduction to Buddhism in action and how the foundation has applied these teachings from its humble beginnings in Hualien, Taiwan, to its establishment in the Philippines 30 years ago. This was followed by Tzu Chi's 30 years of humanitarian efforts, discussed by Cherrie Rose Ang, officer-in-charge of the Volunteer Development and Mission Support department.
For Sitti Fatima Paula Chua, high school formator of campus ministry and service office of Xavier School Nuvali, the talk was an eye-opener. “It was amazing. There may be differences in how we practice our faith, but there are truly more similarities,” she said. Chua even compared some Buddhist teachings to Laudato Si’—Pope Francis’ letter calling for environmental consciousness and caring for Mother Earth.
After listening to the discussion, students toured the BTCC campus. The campus’ coffee shop, a popular place for visitors and guests, was a hit among the students and staff as they learned about the upcycling and recycling efforts that went into it.
Students, inspired by the experiences shared by the volunteers, gave their insights during group discussions. One student, who had been listening to Tzu Chi volunteer Johnny Kwok’s discussion, shared his appreciation for the work done by Tzu Chi in various communities. “There may be many hardships in this world, but there is hope in the fact there are people like you, as well as this foundation, trying to make things better for everyone,” he said.
Marc Magsalin, Xavier School Nuvali’s assistant principal for formation, expressed his thoughts on this fruitful partnership. “Through this immersion experience, we have witnessed firsthand that love is not merely spoken; it is lived. It is in the acts that reach out to help, the time given to visit, and the small yet profound acts of kindness that uplift the human spirit. May this experience move us all to serve with even greater generosity, embodying love in deeds rather than mere words,” he said.
Grade 10 students from Xavier School Nuvali gather at the Jing Si Hall of the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila, for an interfaith activity on Buddhism in humanitarian work.
A student leads the opening prayer before the activity.
Students visit BTCC’s lotus pond as part of their campus tour.
Tzu Chi volunteer Paquito Ngo discusses the principles and teachings of Buddhism and how they are applied in daily life.
Students tour the popular BTCC coffee shop, learning about Tzu Chi’s recycling and upcycling projects.
Tzu Chi volunteer Lino Sy tours students in the Jing Si Abode.
Tzu Chi volunteer Johnny Kwok explains the significance of the wooden cabin, a replica of the one Dharma Master Cheng Yen lived in during her beginnings as a Buddhist Nun.
A Tzu Chi volunteer facilitates a group discussion with the students.
Tzu Chi volunteers Luis Diamante (left) and Rosa So (right) lead the students in the group discussion.
Jesuit priest Fr. Henry Ponce (center) receives a token of appreciation.
“Thank you for being a beacon of compassion for 30 years and counting, and for showing us what it truly means to serve with a heart full of love. We hope to be back and bring more students to know and experience this wonderful work that you do for our fellow citizens,” says Marc Magsalin, Xavier School Nuvali’s assistant principal for formation.
From left: Marc Magsalin, Xavier School Nuvali’s assistant principal for formation; Henry Yuñez, Tzu Chi Philippines CEO; and Fr. Henry Ponce.
![“We always ensure that our students are not confined within the four corners of their classroom, that it's not purely academics. Academics serve as our theory, but when we go out [of the classroom], that is our practice. That's why we introduced them to the different communities outside Laguna,” says Sitti Fatima Paula Chua, high school formator of campus ministry and service office of Xavier School Nuvali.](/assets/news-page/images/14-v41.jpg)
“We always ensure that our students are not confined within the four corners of their classroom, that it's not purely academics. Academics serve as our theory, but when we go out [of the classroom], that is our practice. That's why we introduced them to the different communities outside Laguna,” says Sitti Fatima Paula Chua, high school formator of campus ministry and service office of Xavier School Nuvali.
After the tour and interfaith discussion, students enjoyed a delicious vegetarian lunch prepared by Tzu Chi volunteers.