The Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines celebrated its 30th anniversary with a three-day Diligence Camp and a one-day special event at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila from Nov. 7 to 10, 2024.
More than 300 guests and participants, including Tzu Chi Taiwan CEO Po-Wen Yen, first-time Dharma masters De Bei and De Pei and 10 Kaohsiung commissioners who traveled from Taiwan, joined the event.
Themed “From Seed to Full-Bloom: Celebrating 30 Years of Steadfast Loving-Kindness,” the Diligence Camp united volunteers from various regions in the Philippines including Manila, Marikina, Iloilo, Cebu, Davao and Zamboanga alongside their Taiwanese counterparts.
The camp served as both a refresher on Tzu Chi’s values and a celebration of three decades of compassionate service in the Philippines.
Tzu Chi Philippines’ first CEO Linda Chua expressed gratitude for the foundation’s journey.
“It was not easy to walk for 30 years. I felt very blessed,” she said.
Throughout the camp, participants engaged in a variety of activities, including insightful talks, group discussions, hands-on workshops, walking meditation and religious instrument practice.
Dharma masters De Bei and De Pei shared stories from Tzu Chi’s early years and offered teachings on the importance of adaptability and nurturing ideal talents.
Kaohsiung commissioners conducted specialized workshops, sharing their expertise on Tzu Chi’s practices in Taiwan.
Although unable to attend in person, master Cheng Yen wished continued success for Tzu Chi’s mission and called for an ever-growing commitment to spreading peace, wisdom, and compassion.
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez concluded the event with a call to continue the foundation’s mission for the next 30 years.
“Let’s continue to strive harder and carry on the torch for the next 30 years,” he said.
