Tzu Chi highlights power of unity on its anniversary
A gala of oneness amid unlike race, religion, and language is witnessed by more or less 20,000 people when Tzu Chi Foundation spearheaded its annual celebration of Buddha’s birthday, mother’s day, and its 48th anniversary on May 11 at the Marikina Sports Park.
Simultaneously held with other local chapters around the world, Tzu Chi Foundation has been taking the extra mile to make the event remarkable for every guest. Although founded as a Buddhist-Chinese organization, the charity group has been embracing the assortment of people, rich and poor alike, following the teachings of its founder, Master Cheng Yen.
During this occasion, the Buddhist organization is able to encourage nearly 10,000 volunteers in a predominantly Catholic country to join a huge formation particularly that of lotus flowers, Bodhi leaf, and Tzu Chi’s logo.
Attending with some Buddhist monks, Rev. Fr. Larry Singian lauds the “coming together of faith.” “We, as Catholics, also honor Jesus Christ and those who have greatly extended love and help for the poor. Tzu Chi has been a pillar to depend on by people who got nowhere to turn to and it is worthy to celebrate this occasion with them,” he says.
“It’s wonderful,” says Brig. Gen. Rodolfo Santiago, who was among the guests. “There is actually no diversity in this occasion, only unity.”
He and another AFP official, Maj. Gen. Lysander Suerte, took part in the Buddha-bathing ceremony, which is held to pay reverence to the great teacher of Buddhism.
After learning the efforts of Tzu Chi Foundation to rehabilitate Yolanda-stricken Leyte Province, and its still ongoing projects for the victims, the AFP general mentions they willingly agreed to help the foundation in the ways they can. The Buddhist group currently works on a house rebuilding project in the cities of Ormoc, Tacloban, and Palo.
Other guests who attended were Marikina City Mayor Del de Guzman; Vice Mayor Fabian Cadiz; San Mateo Mayor and Vice Mayor Jose Rafael and Cristina Diaz; and Violeta Codilla and Mayor Remedios Petilla, who even flew from Ormoc City and Palo Municipality just to be part of the event. It can be recalled that these towns were recipients of Tzu Chi’s aid in a time of disasters such as typhoon “Ondoy” (Ketsana) in 2009 which greatly affected Marikina City; Habagat (monsoon rains) which flooded San Mateo in 2011 and 2012; and the recent typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan) which devastated a huge part of Leyte Province, including Palo, Ormoc and Tacloban City.
On this day, the San Mateo mayor and vice mayor presented Resolution no. 2014054, declaring the second Sunday of May every year as Buddha’s day, mother’s day, and Tzu Chi day in the municipality. Marikina City also formerly included this day in their calendar in 2012.
For his part, Vice Mayor Cadiz thanked the foundation for sharing the three-fold celebration with the people in Marikina City. “We feel blessed that Tzu Chi never forgets to make Marikina City as part of its events. Through this spiritual occasion, we feel closer to our Creator. Seeing the works of Tzu Chi humbles and reminds us to become better public servants to our people.”
Although not feeling well, Mayor de Guzman willed himself to come as was his practice in the past, also bringing his children along with him. In his message, the mayor says he was grateful to be able to attend and lauds the group’s eff orts to unite people not only in times of disasters but also during blissful occasions.
Meanwhile, 248 children paid the highest courtesy they could give their mothers by washing their feet, symbolizing their love and gratitude. Leading this part of the occasion are twins Lea and Rachel Awel, the conjoined twins who were separated through the help of the foundation.