HUALIEN, Taiwan. When a 7.4-magnitude earthquake shook Taiwan in April, it took just 30 minutes for Tzu Chi, one of the region’s most prominent charities, to establish an emergency response center. Founded and led by 87-year-old nun Venerable Cheng Yen, Tzu Chi immediately provided hot meals and essential supplies, including drinking water, energy drinks, blankets, beds, and tents, to survivors and rescue teams.
The Jing Si Abode in Hualien, the quake’s epicenter, is the spiritual home of Tzu Chi. This international Buddhist organization boasts millions of members across 67 countries, including the United States. Venerable Cheng Yen founded Tzu Chi in 1966 after witnessing the lack of basic healthcare in the economically underdeveloped region. She invited local housewives to save 50 Taiwanese cents each month, a modest beginning for what would become a global humanitarian powerhouse.
Tzu Chi’s scope of work includes running hospitals, a medical school, and its own cable television channel in Taiwan. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tzu Chi utilized its influence to procure 5 million vaccines for Taiwan’s population of 23 million. Known for its earthquake relief efforts, Tzu Chi’s global network spans disaster relief, construction of schools, houses of worship, homes, and hospitals, as well as refugee resettlement and hunger alleviation. Since its U.S. establishment in 1989, Tzu Chi has operated in 80 locations with both paid staff and volunteers.
Stephen Huang, executive director of Tzu Chi’s global volunteers, became a disciple of Venerable Cheng Yen 35 years ago. He praised her as “an ordinary person who does extraordinary things,” attributing her success to compassion. The foundation relies on its commissioners, trained members who fundraise monthly, without a minimum amount required but aiming to collect from at least 40 people.
Tzu Chi raised 5.6 billion New Taiwan Dollars ($175 million) in 2022, funding its extensive humanitarian efforts. Despite facing scrutiny over transparency, Tzu Chi publishes annual reports and financials online. Its history includes controversies, such as the failed attempt to rezone conservation land in Taipei’s Neihu district.
CEO Po-wen Yen, who joined Tzu Chi after the Neihu scandal, emphasized the organization’s commitment to disaster relief and global chapters. While supported by wealthy benefactors, most Tzu Chi members belong to the middle class. Julia Huang, a professor of anthropology, highlighted Tzu Chi’s unique blend of humanitarian aid and Buddhist teachings, noting its emphasis on compassion and engagement with the world.
Tzu Chi’s work transcends religious boundaries, involving volunteers from various faiths. The organization has built churches in Haiti, Ecuador, and Mexico, and mosques in Indonesia. “Although we start from Buddhism, that doesn’t limit who we help,” CEO Yen stated.
The foundation’s projects include constructing schools and homes in Mozambique, aiding Syrian refugees in Turkey, building Indonesia’s largest university, training Ukrainian refugees in Poland, and constructing homes in Bodhgaya, India. Stephen Huang described the global support following the Hualien earthquake, even from displaced Syrian refugees, as a testament to the interconnectedness of compassion.
“We are all connected by compassion,” Huang said. “That’s the power of love.”
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
