Scholars, upcycler triumph
Tzu Chi Foundation
Philippines has impacted the lives of its former scholars and beneficiaries, offering them newfound hope for a better future.
Jefferson Aguilar faced financial struggles amid family hardships, particularly following his brother’s passing in 2013. TCFP helped him to finish college. TCFP, Globe’s Hapag Movement and other donors sponsored his education. He supported his family while studying at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.
Aguilar graduated in 2023 with a Management Accounting degree and now works as a Finance and Administrative Associate at Positive Workplace. He gives back to his benefactors by volunteering in their humanitarian activities.
Tzu Chi beneficiaries give back to their benefactor by serving as volunteers in its various humanitarian activities.
Luis Gabriel Tuyangad, a recipient of the refrigeration and air-condition scholarship, came from a challenging family situation like Aguilar, but he was determined to support his eight siblings. Initially an intern, Tuyangad became a full-time HVAC installer at Jammson Airconditioning.
Today, Tuyangad not only supports his family but also guides them towards a better future. He deeply treasures the teachings of gratitude and compassion by Tzu Chi’s Master Cheng Yen, “carrying them in his heart always.”
Single mother Esther Co Yu turned to TCFP for livelihood support by participating in its Upcycling Project. She crafted durable rugs and seat covers from surplus elastic material of sports socks to earn money.
Through TCFP, Yu also secured funding for her child’s therapy.
“I’m working hard so she can get better and be ‘normal’... I’m aware that autism is incurable,” Esther said.
Since 2022, the collaboration between TCFP and Globe via the latter’s Hapag Movement has extended aid to individuals across the Philippines, providing support in education and employment opportunities.