MANILA -- Taiwanese international humanitarian and non-governmental organization Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation recently celebrated its 25th anniversary in the Philippines with a unique food market and the launch of a new book at its sprawling campus in Manila.

"Tzu chi" comes from the Mandarin words for compassion and relief. The global organization was founded by a Buddhist nun, Dharma Master Cheng Yen, after seeing the plight of impoverished hospital patients in Taiwan. From 30 housewives back in 1966, Tzu Chi has grown to 10 million members across 57 countries worldwide.

The Philippine arm of Tzu Chi works behind the scenes and have been present in the country fulfilling its mission of charity, medicine, education, and humanity.

Tzu Chi volunteers were among the first ones on-site during the deadliest natural disasters including Typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban, and the recent earthquake in Cotabato. Volunteers in their iconic navy-blue polo shirts get their hands dirty with their missions of mercy.

Not only did the Tzu Chi volunteers give out relief goods, but also implemented a “cash for work” program where the organization gave a daily wage for the victims to clean up their homes, and their community.

Inside the Tzu Chi Great Love Campus in Sta. Mesa is a beautiful Buddhist temple and several buildings that embody its mission.

The Buddhist Tzu Chi Eye Center is home to state-of-the-art optical equipment, and a world-class operating room supported by professional volunteer eye doctors.

The eye center rivals anything seen in top hospitals in the city. The big difference is that operations, medicine, consultations, eyeglasses, even meals, are given for free. Patients have been known to come from all over the Philippines, and line up as early as 4 a.m. for treatments.

Besides this, Tzu Chi volunteers have embraced vegetarianism as a way to stay healthy and prevent illnesses. This was showcased in a special street market-style feast reminiscent of the night markets of Taiwan. Some of the entrees were surprising that they seemed to taste like meat, but were 100% meat-free.

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The other buildings in the campus focus on the education part of the Tzu Chi mission. Volunteers teach courses like machining, sewing, welding, caregiving, BPO operations, and computer maintenance, among others. These are certificate courses that can be used for job hunting upon completion. The facilities and course content are up-to-date. For example, the machine shop course features lessons on CNC (computer numerical machines) machines.

Like the treatments at the eye center, the certificate courses are also given for free to qualified and willing students. The leadership of the Tzu Chi Foundation lamented that there are few applicants for these courses and that they would welcome more students in the campus.

Lastly, the Tzu Chi Foundation fulfills the humanity part of its mission by promoting harmony and peace through books and literature. The campus has its own TV station, radio station, recycling centers, and book stores echoing the teachings of Master Cheng Yen.

In line with this, the foundation commissioned veteran journalist Alya Honasan to write a book chronicling Tzu Chi’s 25 years in the Philippines. The book was launched during their 25th anniversary celebration.

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The Tzu Foundation continues to thrive in these times where the country needs them the most. The Philippine arm of the foundation has ambitious plans to further expand its work, all but guaranteeing that it will be around for the next 25 years and beyond.