The Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines held a media launch for its second Charity Run for Education at the Café of the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila on June 19, 2025.
Organized by Runrio Inc., the run aims to raise funds for 1,395 scholars under Tzu Chi’s Educational Assistance Program and 51 scholars in its Technical-Vocational Program. It will take place on July 20, 2025 at Bridgetowne Destination Estate in Pasig City.
“After the pandemic, Runrio really planned not only to rebuild but also to give back and use the power of running to bring people together for greater cause. We are very much amazed on the humanitarian things that Tzu Chi Foundation is doing,” Runrio Inc. general manager Andrew Neri said.
The event is expected to draw 8,000 participants, following the successful turnout of 6,000 runners in 2024.
Runners can join across four race categories- 1K, 3K, 5K and 10K. Each participant will receive a race singlet made from recycled PET bottles, a collapsible reusable silicone cup, and a specially designed finisher medal- a nod to Tzu Chi’s long-standing commitment to both education and environmental conservation.
Tzu Chi Foundation leaders emphasized the run’s significance in continuing the foundation’s mission.
“In all our activities, environmental protection is always on our mind. Using recyclable PET materials is more expensive, but we want to protect our environment in every small way,” said Johnny Kwok, Tzu Chi District Head, Manila East.
“Every kilometer changes the life of a scholar,” said Rosa So, Head of Tzu Chi’s Education Committee.
So said that in 2024, the foundation supported 1,550 scholars, and since 1995, it has awarded over 16,000 scholarships across the country- from Manila to Mindanao.
During the launch, Peggy Sy, Tzu Chi Philippines deputy CEO, recalled the organization’s humble beginnings inspired by its founder, Dharma Master Cheng Yen.
“In the early days, 30 housewives would save 50 cents from their grocery money each day to support the mission,” she said.
“Master Cheng Yen has always reminded us: one person can do one good deed every single day,” Sy said.
Tzu Chi’s commitment to its scholars goes beyond financial aid.
“Aside from financial support, we teach them about life through humanity classes, about health, and how to manage their finances- things that sometimes are not being taught in schools,” said Judy Lao, Tzu Chi’s communications department head.
“We make it to the point that our scholars will be able to succeed,” she said.
The launch also featured inspiring stories from two scholars.
Esmeralda Daganasol, a graduate of Tzu Chi’s Technical-Vocational Caregiving Program, shared how the foundation gave her a second chance in life.
Heart Baquilar, a third-year Early Childhood Education student at Philippine Normal University (PNU), credited the program for allowing her to thrive as both a student and athlete.
“Tzu Chi Foundation is grateful for your presence and continued support in our mission to uplift lives through education,” said Henry Yuñez, CEO of Tzu Chi Philippines.
“Each step taken in this run brings our scholars closer to a brighter future,” he said.
Founded in Taiwan in 1966 by Dharma Master Cheng Yen, Tzu Chi Foundation was established in the Philippines in 1994. It delivers humanitarian aid through charity, education, medical assistance, and environmental conservation. Julie Ann Lope
