RC Forbes Park visits Tzu Chi Foundation

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Wednesday, 6 August, 2008

The Rotary Club of Forbes Park headed by President Ed Escano, visited the Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines last 31 July 2008 to know more about its endeavors. Pres. Ed who is also the legal counsel of Tzu Chi Foundation in the Philippines, introduced the foundation to the visiting Rotarians, among them, CP Alex Ledesma, IPP Leo Garcia, PP Palmy Layug, PP Efren Palabyab, PP Hiro Asandas, Dir. Ruben Torres, Rtn. Nandy De Jesus, Ann Nini Layug, Ann Mabec Kawsek, Ann Baby De Jesus. Tzu Chi volunteers started to introduce the organization by touring the Rotarians at the Tzu Chi Great Love Campus (TCGLC) in Bacood, Sta Mesa, Manila, which housed the Buddhist Tzu Chi Clinic, recycling station and warehouse. Tzu Chi volunteers showed the collected plastic bottles, carton boxes and other junk materials made into useful products. They further explained that at the main office of Tzu Chi in Taiwan, recycled PET bottles were transformed into fine, soft, thermal blankets that had been distributed in thousands of relief operations around the world, including the recent relief operations in Iloilo City and Kalibo, Aklan caused by typhoon Frank.

Just in time with the Foundation''''s dental service every Thursday, the Rotarians were able to see the dental clinic and meet Tzu Chi''''s dentists, medical staff, volunteers and employees. The volunteers also brought the Rotarians in the Foundation''''s warehouse where they witnessed the packing of rice and other items for relief distribution. Together with some of Tzu Chi Commissioners, Faith Corps and volunteers, the Rotarians were treated with a sumptuous and healthy serving of vegetarian lunch. After the meal, the volunteers showed a nine-minute audio visual presentation of Master Cheng Yen''''s talk about the recent relief activity in Aklan.

Touched by the comments of Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez towards the compassion of Tzu Chi in their province, PP Hiro Asandas, led the group''''s warm applause. He mentioned that prior to visiting the foundation, he was not aware that Tzu Chi existed. Having lived in the Philippines for 55 years and Hiro did not know what Tzu Chi was. After the visit, PP Hiro was not only impressed by the teachings of Buddha. He was confident that he will be an instrument in convincing the (other) Rotarians to have their projects in this organization. As for possible joined humanitarian efforts, Pres. Ed mentioned that RI