Tzu Chi Zamboanga

09/09/2026

𝗔 𝗚𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲, 𝗔 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲

In times when the air we breathe reminds us of how closely connected we are to one another and to nature, a simple act of care can make a meaningful difference.

Tzu Chi Foundation – Zamboanga Liaison Office recently donated boxes of face masks to Taluksangay Elementary School, Mercedes Central School, Culianan Learning Center, Cabaluay Elementary School, and Tuan Datu Hadji Abdullah Nuño Memorial Integrated School—a small gesture of love and protection for our students, teachers, and school communities.

This timely initiative comes as haze from forest and land fires in parts of Borneo, Indonesia, has affected air quality in several areas of the region. The smoke and haze can carry fine particulate matter that may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat and, with prolonged or heavy exposure, affect the respiratory system. Children are among those who can be more vulnerable to the effects of polluted air.

For communities like Zamboanga, our geographical proximity to Indonesia reminds us that the air we share knows no borders. What happens to our environment in one place can eventually touch the lives of people far beyond it.
The masks are therefore more than just a donation—they are a reminder to protect every breath, care for one another, and remain mindful of our environment.

While masks can help reduce exposure to smoke and particles when properly worn, protecting our health also means following local air-quality advisories, limiting unnecessary outdoor exposure during poor air quality, and giving special care to children, older adults, and those more vulnerable to respiratory problems.

As Master Cheng Yen reminds us:
“The environment is closely related to our lives. To protect the environment is to protect ourselves.”

May this simple sharing inspire us to look beyond the mask—to the deeper responsibility of protecting the air, the land, the water, and the generations who will inherit them.

Let us continue to cultivate love through action, because every breath protected, every life cared for, and every act of environmental responsibility is a seed of compassion.

08/09/2026

𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲, 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲

A new journey of hope began today as the Angel of Sight Program off kicked off, welcoming 10 young beneficiaries from Talon-Talon Elementary School and Mampang Elementary School.

For these children, a simple eye consultation can mean so much more it can open their eyes to clearer lessons, brighter dreams, and a future filled with possibilities.

The beneficiaries were given the opportunity to have their eyes examined at the Tzu Chi Great Love Eye Center, Zamboanga City Medical Center, where they received professional eye consultations and care.

They were also given the joy and dignity of choosing their own eyeglass frames—a small but meaningful moment that allowed each child to express their own personality while receiving something that will help them see the world more clearly.

Every pair of glasses is more than just a vision aid. It is a reminder to a child that someone cares, someone believes in their dreams, and they are never alone in their journey.

As Master Cheng Yen reminds us:
“With love, there is no distance; with compassion, there is no boundary.”

May these children continue to see not only with clearer eyes, but also with hearts filled with hope, confidence, and gratitude.

Our deepest gratitude goes to our valued partners: Department of Education – Zamboanga City Division, Zamboanga City Medical Center and Rotary Club of Zamboanga City.

Thank you for joining us in planting seeds of hope and helping our children see a brighter tomorrow.

03/09/2026

Tzu Chi relief efforts in Nepal

01/09/2026

𝗔 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗿 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗔 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲

Sometimes, a child’s greatest obstacle in the classroom is something as simple as not being able to see clearly.

A blurred word on the board, a difficult-to-read book, or the struggle to recognize what the teacher has written can quietly affect a child’s learning, confidence, and ability to participate. Behind every pair of young eyes is a dream—a dream to learn, to grow, and to build a better future.

Through the Angel of Sight Program, the Tzu Chi Foundation – Zamboanga Liaison Office, in partnership with the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) and the Department of Education – Zamboanga City Division, continues to bring care and compassion to young learners who need support.

Recently, eight public school students from Talon-Talon Elementary School and Mampang Elementary School were referred for **eye consultation and assessment.

But this story is not only about receiving help. It is also about learning to give.

As part of the spirit of Tzu Chi, the students have also taken part in caring for our environment by collecting and donating used PET bottles.

What may seem like an ordinary plastic bottle can become an expression of gratitude and a small act of kindness. By collecting and giving these bottles, the students learn that everyone—regardless of age—has something to contribute.

They are not simply beneficiaries of love; they are also becoming little seeds of love**, learning that kindness can be passed forward.

This is the beauty of the Tzu Chi spirit: to receive with gratitude and to give with love.

The Angel of Sight Program reminds us that service is not only about providing medical assistance. It is about nurturing compassion, dignity, responsibility, and hope. It is about helping children see clearly today while inspiring them to become compassionate individuals who will help others tomorrow.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Rotary Club of Zamboanga City for being part of this meaningful endeavor and for supporting efforts that help bring better opportunities and brighter futures to our children. Your generosity and spirit of service remind us of the power of communities coming together with one heart. 💙

Our deepest appreciation also goes to the Department of Education – Zamboanga City Division, the Zamboanga City Medical Center, the dedicated teachers and school personnel, our Tzu Chi volunteers, and everyone who continues to support the Angel of Sight Program.

When healthcare, education, environmental responsibility, and compassion come together, even the simplest act can become a seed of hope.

Master Cheng Yen teaches us:

“When we give with love, we receive blessings; when we give with gratitude, we create more blessings."

Through the cooperation of the Department of Education – Zamboanga City Division, the Zamboanga City Medical Center no dedicated teachers and school personnel, Tzu Chi volunteers, and most especially the students and their families, we continue to build a community where **health, education, environmental responsibility, and Great Love come together.**

May these eight young learners see more clearly—not only the words on their books and the lessons on the board, but also the countless possibilities waiting ahead of them.

And may their simple act of donating PET bottles remind us all that no act of kindness is ever too small. A bottle collected, a pair of eyes cared for, a child encouraged—each becomes a small seed that, when nurtured with love, can grow into something greater.

Clear eyes. Caring hearts. Greener communities. Brighter futures.

Let us continue to walk together in the spirit of Great Love (大愛) serving with sincerity, giving with gratitude, and inspiring goodness wherever we go.

一念心，千萬善
*With one sincere thought of goodness, countless acts of kindness can arise.*

29/08/2026

𝗔 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲

Sometimes, compassion begins with something very simple: noticing.

For Mico Klein Lim Delos Reyes, being a Tzu Chi Youth Volunteer is more than simply participating in activities. It is about learning to be mindful of the people around him, recognizing their needs, and asking himself, “What can I do to help?”

Since becoming a certified Tzu Chi Youth Volunteer in 2025, Mico has continued to show sincerity and dedication to the Tzu Chi mission. In his interactions with beneficiaries and fellow volunteers, he strives to treat everyone with kindness, respect, and love.

Dharma Master Cheng Yen reminds us that every encounter with another person is an opportunity to cultivate kindness and bring warmth to their hearts. Mico continues to embrace this spirit in his own simple yet meaningful way.

Whenever he sees someone in need, he reaches out to his Tzu Chi mentors and fellow volunteers. He does not simply see a problem he looks for a way to help. Through his active participation in Tzu Chi Youth activities, community outreach, and environmental protection initiatives, he continues to learn that compassion is not only something we feel; it is something we put into action.

Recently, a fire broke out in Barangay Sta. Maria, destroying nearly 15 houses and affecting almost 70 families. Mico immediately informed his Tzu Chi mentor about the situation, and the Local Government Unit promptly responded by providing assistance to the affected families.

During an ocular visit with fellow Tzu Chi Youth Volunteers, however, Mico noticed another need. Some students had lost their school supplies in the fire—bags, notebooks, pencils, and other learning materials that were essential for their studies.

Mico then thought, “If they lost their school supplies, why don't we help provide them with new ones?”

It was a simple thought, but it came from a sincere heart. Together with fellow Tzu Chi Youth Volunteers, Mico began reaching out to donors and searching for resources through Tzu Chi Zamboanga. Through the generosity and blessings of kind-hearted individuals, they were able to prepare complete school supply sets for 10 affected students.

On August 27, 2026, Mico and his fellow Tzu Chi Youth Volunteers returned to Barangay Sta. Maria to distribute the school supplies. The smiles of the children and the gratitude of their parents were priceless.

Tzu Chi also shared additional care by providing blankets and tumblers to the affected families.

For Mico, the smiles he saw that day became a source of strength—a reminder that even a young volunteer can make a difference.

Sometimes, we may feel that what we can give is only a little. But when that little comes from a sincere heart, it can become something great in the life of another person.

Mico's simple act of care inspire more young hearts to notice, to care, and to take action. Because compassion begins with a thought, grows through intention, and becomes meaningful when we choose to act.

24/08/2026

𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑯𝒐𝒎𝒆: 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏

For almost two years, Glen was a familiar face along Tomas Claudio Street in Zamboanga City. He was often seen wandering around the city alone, with no one beside him and no known family to turn to. He was believed to be a deportee from Malaysia, but without any identification documents, his identity remained unknown, and finding his family or relatives seemed almost impossible.

Glen could not speak the local language. He spoke mostly Bahasa Malaysia and only a little English, making even the simplest communication difficult. People who regularly saw him also noticed unusual changes in his behavior. There were times when he would appear to talk angrily to someone who was not visible to those around him, as if responding to a person only he could see or hear. Because of the language barrier and these behaviors, very few people could truly understand what he was going through.

To many who passed him on the street, Glen may have appeared to be just another homeless man. But behind his silence, confusion, and behavior that others could not understand was a person who was struggling and needed patience, compassion, and someone willing to see beyond what was immediately visible.

And someone did.

For a long time, a Tzu Chi volunteer quietly looked after Glen whenever he was seen near the volunteer’s establishment. Food was regularly given to him, not because his entire story was known, but simply because he was hungry and needed help. It was a small act of kindness, repeated many times, that slowly became a connection between Glen and the people who cared for him.

Then, one day, that simple act of noticing him became the beginning of something greater.

Glen’s physical condition had deteriorated. Several tight rings had become embedded in his severely swollen right index finger, causing a serious infection. As the wound worsened and developed a strong odor, people began avoiding him whenever he passed by. Perhaps they did not know how to help. Perhaps they were afraid. But for Tzu Chi, his condition was not a reason to turn away. It was a reason to come closer.
Tzu Chi Foundation stepped in to help Glen receive the medical attention he urgently needed.

Before bringing him to the hospital, dedicated Tzu Chi volunteers and scholars helped Glen take a bath and prepared him for his consultation. It was not an easy task, but they stayed with him and patiently assisted him.

At the hospital, communication remained one of the biggest challenges. The Tzu Chi Social Worker was assisted by a volunteer watcher who chose to stay with Glen. The watcher worked as a security guard at the volunteer’s establishment and had already developed a good relationship with Glen. More importantly, he could speak Bahasa Malaysia. Because they could understand one another, Glen was more comfortable and easier to assist.

Glen eventually underwent surgery on August 2, 2026, with the help of Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) and the assistance of its Medical Social Services. Despite having no identification documents, Glen was still accommodated and provided with the medical attention he urgently needed. The support and understanding of the hospital staff helped ensure that his condition was properly addressed. Thankfully, his fingers did not need to be amputated.

During his hospital stay, Glen was also diagnosed with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder. Yet despite his condition, he was observed to be calm and manageable, with no aggressive or disruptive behavior during his admission. He stayed in the hospital for three days.

Every day, Tzu Chi volunteers, staff, and scholars came to visit him. They checked on his condition, assisted him with his needs, and brought him food. At night, he was left under the care and supervision of the hospital nurses. Throughout his stay, Tzu Chi received no complaints regarding Glen’s behavior.

For Glen, who had spent so much time alone, these daily visits may have meant more than anyone could fully explain.

Then came another important turning point.
After Glen was discharged from the hospital on August 3, 2026, Tzu Chi immediately coordinated again with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO). The goal was simple but important, to find Glen a safe place where he could stay, receive proper care, and begin rebuilding his life.

Thankfully, the request was approved.
Glen was accepted into the Center for Mendicants in Barangay Culianan, Zamboanga City. For the first time in a long while, he had a place to sleep safely. He was provided with shelter, food, psychological support, and continued care. Tzu Chi also committed to providing his prescribed medications as part of his aftercare.

For someone who had spent nearly two years on the streets, this was more than finding a shelter.

It was the beginning of a new chapter.
On August 13, 2026, Tzu Chi volunteers and scholars visited Glen at the center. They were greeted by a different Glen from the one they had known on the streets. He appeared calm, comfortable, and happy in his new surroundings. He seemed to be slowly adjusting to his new life.

Perhaps no one can truly know what was going through Glen’s mind at that moment. His past remains unknown. His family has yet to be found. There are still many unanswered questions about where he came from and what he experienced before arriving in Zamboanga.

But perhaps, if Glen could put everything he felt into words, his heart might say:

“𝑰 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎. 𝑰 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝒊𝒔. 𝑰 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒃𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒏𝒐𝒘, 𝑰 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒚𝒆𝒅. 𝑷𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒑𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒔𝒖𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑷𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒐𝒅. 𝑷𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒔𝒂𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒏𝒐𝒘, 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒔𝒍𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒔𝒂𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒚.”

Glen’s story reminds us that compassion does not always begin with knowing someone’s name, understanding their past, or having all the answers. Sometimes, compassion begins with something much simpler, seeing a person who is suffering and choosing not to walk away.

The Tzu Chi volunteer who first gave Glen food may not have known that one simple act would eventually lead to something much bigger. The scholars who helped him bathe may not have known how deeply their kindness would touch his journey. The watcher who spoke his language may not have realized how important it was for Glen to finally have someone who could understand him. And every person who visited him in the hospital became part of a circle of care that reminded him that he was not alone.

Glen’s journey is not yet over. There are still questions about his identity, his family, and what the future holds. But today, he has something he did not have before: a safe place, people who care, proper support, and a chance to live with dignity.

Sometimes, we cannot change a person’s past. We cannot immediately answer all their questions or erase everything they have suffered. But we can choose to be there for them in the present.

And sometimes, that is where hope begins.
Because everyone deserves to be seen.
Everyone deserves to be cared for.
And everyone deserves a second chance at life.

“𝑴𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒚 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒆 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒏, 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒔. 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒆 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔.”
— 𝑫𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒂 𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒏𝒈 𝒀𝒆𝒏

17/08/2026

𝗕𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲

Most adults would hope to turn back time and experience life gently and more kindly. Life was never easy, but Carll Maverick Salac and his family lived a simple and humble life in Roseller T. Lim, Zamboanga Sibugay. Although they struggled financially, the whole family kept him and his siblings in school. They had little but so much to cherish.

When the COVID-19 pandemic brought the country to a standstill, the then-14-year-old Salac welcomed class suspensions, like many students his age. In that same year, his mother gave birth to his fourth sibling. His routine over those two years was to foster the rest of his siblings so his parents could leave every morning before sunrise. His father would drive his mother to make Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) deliveries.

“I am proud that my siblings and I were able to manage. After our parents left early for work, I fed, bathed, and cared for my siblings until our parents returned around nine or ten at night,” he said.
These responsibilities shaped Salac to grow up fast, not by age, but by the responsibility given to him. Yet another pregnancy was on the way that he and his siblings didn’t know about until their mother’s belly became obvious.

In September 2022, his mother was due to give birth again, this time to his fifth sibling. Due to fever, she was admitted to the hospital for three days before delivering their youngest. Salac knew that the woman who had walked into the hospital had been strong, active, and an all-rounder; loved for her warmth, strength, and unwavering sacrifice. Yet, she never got out of the hospital.

On September 14, 2022, Salac lost his mother. On the day she died, she was immediately buried as per COVID’s health and safety protocol. The day after her death was Salac’s birthday.
Salac was in denial that his mother was never coming home. “After childbirth, we talked through video calls and she even promised me to be home before my birthday. I believed my mother would recover and come home, just like she always did. I couldn’t believe it and the loss shattered me in a way I can never fully describe.”

Yet, as life often does, time moves forward without waiting for anyone. Salac welcomed another year of his life carrying grief while helping keep the household running for his siblings.

In a single day, he lost his mother and the security that kept the family intact. He watched the loss break their family as the siblings temporarily lived in different homes with their relatives. Salac and his two younger siblings stayed with their maternal grandmother.

Another problem occurred when his youngest brother began experiencing serious health problems because his late mother was unable to undergo regular prenatal checkups during her pregnancy. The baby’s umbilical cord failed to heal properly, causing persistent bleeding whenever he had to urinate or defecate. The only option they had was to resort to taking huge loans to fund the urgent surgery. The surgery was successful but the financial burden left the family starting over once more.

Despite all the problems, he refused to yield. He focused on his studies, and in college, he enrolled at Western Mindanao State University in Zamboanga City, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Community Development. On weekdays, he lives in a dormitory for his schooling and returns home on weekends to help his grandmother with household chores.

Before approaching his second year, he learned about Tzu Chi Foundation’s scholarship program, but the application period had already closed. He bravely took his chance by calling the foundation’s office but was met with disappointment. Salac refused to accept the disappointment; he persistently went to their school’s scholarship office to try again.

Stories and cases like Salac’s are given attention and consideration. The next thing he knew, he was in an interview with Tzu Chi staff. The next day, they paid him a home visit and later accepted him as a Tzu Chi scholar.

Now an incoming Third-year student, 19-year-old Salac describes his experience as a Tzu Chi scholar as happy, surrounded by people who are supportive of his dreams.

“Thank you, Tzu Chi, for helping me help myself and, more importantly, allowing me to extend help to others. That boosted my heart even more. Although I am struggling, it doesn’t mean that I cannot offer help to others,” he said.
His scholarship and academic achievements are being celebrated and supported by his family, who, despite the hard life, had persevered to make life bearable. They became a constant emotional support for one another.

“I wrote a letter to [Tzu Chi Zamboanga OIC and Deputy CEO] Dr. Anton Mari Lim. I thought that if I were to grow up, I wanted to be like Doc Anton—someone who is inspiring. To be like the rest of the Tzu Chi volunteers, who helped us scholars considerately,” he said.
Despite the pain, loss, and responsibilities he has carried, Salac has transformed his experiences into a life devoted to serving others. Often, those who have endured the greatest hardships are the ones most willing to bring hope to others.

Today, Salac has become an agent of change. By saving a portion of his scholarship allowance, he has joined volunteer outreach activities in far-flung communities, bringing school supplies and hope to children who need them most.

14/08/2026

𝐀 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞, 𝐀 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥

From Zamboanga City to Dipolog City, a journey began with a simple intention: to serve with love, to ease suffering, and to bring hope to those in need.

Tzu Chi Zamboanga volunteers travelled by land from Zamboanga City to Dipolog City, carrying not only medical supplies and equipment, but also the spirit of Great Love and the sincere wish to serve our fellow Filipinos.

The 292nd Tzu Chi Medical Mission last August 6-8, 2026 was successfully conducted at the Annex Building of the Zamboanga del Norte Medical Center, with the generous support and leadership of Hospital Administrator Dr. Esmeralda Nadela and the entire hospital team.

Through the collective efforts of our volunteer doctors, nurses, medical professionals, staff, and volunteers, we were blessed with the opportunity to serve 132 patients through major and minor surgical procedures:

🩺 54 patients underwent thyroidectomy/goiter surgery
🩺 22 patients underwent hernia surgery
🩺 56 patients received minor surgical procedures, including cyst removal

A patient who had been living with discomfort. A family who had been waiting and hoping for the opportunity to receive treatment. A mother, a father, a brother, a sister, or a loved one who simply wished to live a healthier and more comfortable life.

For us, these were not merely medical procedures. Each operation was an opportunity to care, to listen, to comfort, and to give hope.

The success of this mission was made possible through the spirit of cooperation and the many hands that came together. Doctors and nurses worked tirelessly. Volunteers assisted wherever they were needed. Hospital staff opened their doors and welcomed us. Government partners extended their support. And most importantly, our patients placed their trust in us.

We would like to express our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to the people of Zamboanga del Norte for warmly welcoming Tzu Chi and giving us the opportunity to serve your communities. Your trust and kindness have made this mission deeply meaningful to all of us.

Our sincere appreciation goes to Governor Darel Dexter Uy for his unwavering support for the 292nd Tzu Chi Medical Mission. Your support helped create an environment where compassion could be transformed into meaningful action and where more people could receive the medical care they needed.

We are also deeply grateful to Dr. Esmeralda Nadela, Hospital Administrator of Zamboanga del Norte Medical Center, and the entire Zamboanga del Norte Medical Center team for their warm accommodation, cooperation, and tireless assistance throughout the mission. Your partnership was an important part of making this service possible.

Our heartfelt thanks also go to Zamboanga City Medical Center for its continued and unwavering support of Tzu Chi's medical missions. We are especially grateful to the doctors and nurses who travelled from Zamboanga City to Dipolog City and willingly shared their knowledge, skills, time, and compassion with our patients.

This mission once again reminded us of the beautiful teaching of Dharma Master Cheng Yen:

“To do good deeds is not difficult; what is difficult is to continuously do good deeds.”

Serving others is not always easy. It requires time, patience, sacrifice, teamwork, and a willing heart. But when we see a patient smile after receiving care, when we hear a family express their gratitude, and when we witness people coming together for a common purpose, we are reminded that every effort is worthwhile.

Tzu Chi teaches us that Great Love has no boundaries. It does not ask where someone comes from, what their background is, or whether we know them personally. When there is suffering, we reach out. When there is a need, we serve. When there is hope, we help nurture it.

May this mission remind us that one compassionate heart can inspire another, and many compassionate hearts can create a wave of Great Love.

May we continue to walk the path taught by Master Cheng Yen:
with compassion in our hearts, love in our actions, and gratitude in everything we do.

13/08/2026

11/08/2026

Tzu Chi’s 292nd Medical Mission serves 5,417 patients in Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte

TIMA doctors, volunteers, youth, and students from Taiwan and Malaysia joined forces for a three-day free and quality healthcare mission. |via tzuchi.org.ph

The Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines is a humanitarian, Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), whose mission it is to provide disaster, and poverty relief.