10/02/2026
๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ต๐ถ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ ๐ฅ๐๐ป ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฑ ๐ณ๐ถ๐ป๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ ๐ต๐ถ๐๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฎ๐ฑ ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ฐ๐ต๐ผ๐น๐ฎ๐ฟ๐
After weeks of anticipation and two weather-related postponements in 2025, the Tzu Chi Charity Run 2025 finally unfolded at Bridgetowne Destination Estate on February 8. The event was welcomed not with frustration, but with relief, laughter, and the eager energy of thousands of participants.
The buzzing excitement of the 6,866 runners was palpable as they stepped forwardโnot merely to complete a race, but to fulfill a promise to 1,511 academic scholars and 80 Technical-Vocational scholars. The Tzu Chi Charity Run had become more than a comeback event but was a collective victory powered by patience, resilience, and a shared desire to do one good deed.
As the first batch of runners gathered at the starting line, they were welcomed by loud drum beats and opening remarks from Tzu Chi Deputy CEO Peggy Sy Jiang.
โThis year, our Charity Run, with you joining, registering, and paying for your run, youโre actually helping our scholars get a better future,โ she said. โAgain, we want to thank you for joining us on our third reschedule.โ
The Kind Runners arrived full of anticipation and excitement, eager to share their experiences. Volunteers, staff, and scholars contributed their full support to ensure the event ran smoothly. Along the route, they cheered and filled reusable cups with water, supporting both fast runners and steady walkers alike.
At the finish line, fatigue quickly transformed into celebration. Medals were highlighted in photo opportunities, and early finishers lined up for freebies and loot bags inside the race village. Participants congratulated one another, including unfamiliar faces who had become brief companions bound by the same course.
โThis year and the 2024 charity runs were both great. Itโs an 11/10 experience,โ said 10K runner Leonida Tuliao, a second-time participant. โPeople were greeting and cheering each other on. The whole area was convenient and clean, and the route was well planned.โ
Tuliao also praised the use of silicone cups at the hydration stations, noting Tzu Chiโs commitment to environmental sustainability and care for Mother Earth.
Seasoned 33-year-old runner Christian Delos Reyes, running the 10K alongside his wife, said the event was more than a physical challenge.
โIโve joined before and saw that it was a very organized event,โ he said. โWhat makes this special is that you donโt just run for a causeโyou also enjoy the run while helping others. I love doing charity work and building a community at the same time. We also get to help those who need it. Thank you so much for organizing this event. Hopefully, it will continue yearly, and for all the runners out there, letโs continue to support Tzu Chi. We can help a lot.โ
Tzu Chi volunteer Dr. Anton Mari Lim, a member of the planning committee, shared the journey the Tzu Chi Foundation underwent following the eventโs postponements.
โIt was difficult to keep the motivation up, but the organizers and volunteers stayed focused on the goalโraising funds to sponsor over 1,591 scholars,โ he said. โThat became a strong motivation for everyone, including the runners. And then finally, we were able to complete the run. As they say, the third timeโs a charmโand it truly was. The turnout was amazing, and the support we received was overwhelming.โ
He also highlighted that the event extended beyond Metro Manila, with simultaneous runs organized by Tzu Chiโs provincial offices and virtual participants, bringing the total turnout to 7,617.
โWhatโs beautiful about this is that the run didnโt happen only here. Other runs were held in different areas, and we even had virtual participants from as far as Bicol in the north to Zamboanga in the south. Each runner shared the same goalโ running for compassion and running for education. Thatโs what unites everyone.โ
RUNRIO General Manager Andrew Neri congratulated the Tzu Chi Foundation for surpassing last runโs participation numbers and for staging a successful event.
โIโm a fan of the Tzu Chi Foundation,โ he said. โWe support their advocacy, especially in environmental protection and education. We continue to partner with them because we are confident that the help extended truly reaches those who need it most.โ
Finishers walked away with medals and raffle prizes, but the greatest prize was the hope and support their steps brought to scholars and families. The kindness continues beyond the finish line.
DSWD Solicitation Permit No.: DSWD-SB-PSP-S-2025-000072
