Tzu Chi Medical Foundation Philippines

Tzu Chi Medical Foundation Philippines The Buddhist Tzu Chi Eye Center Philippines is a non-profit ambulatory surgical clinic for the poor. At that time, Hualien was undeveloped and impoverished.
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About Tzu Chi

Tzu Chi is a non-profit charitable organization founded by the Buddhist nun Dharma Master Cheng Yen in Hualien, Taiwan in 1966. The master and her disciples sewed baby shoes, made candles and encouraged their followers to save 0.30 NT$ every day for charity. During her charity visits, Dharma Master Cheng Yen realized that many families became poor due to illness or vice versa. She concluded that, to end poverty, illness needed to be taken care of first. She founded a free clinic in 1972 which provided medical services to the poor twice a week and then set out to build a hospital. Today, the Master’s compassion has resulted in the establishment of seven Tzu Chi hospitals across Taiwan. Shortly after a local Tzu Chi chapter was established in the Philippines in 1995, a group of Tzu Chi volunteers and local doctors held a free clinic in Baguio. Thus begun Tzu Chi’s medical work in the country. In 2007, the Tzu Chi Clinic was established in Bacood, Sta. Mesa. It offered free dental and eye care services to indigent patients from across the Philippines. In 2016, the establishment underwent renovation and was renamed to Tzu Chi Eye Center. Today, it is a three-floor structure that features four operating rooms that are equipped with the most advanced ophthalmic technology, and diagnostic rooms as well as a roster of ophthalmologists from a variety of sub specializations. In 2019, the Tzu Chi Eye Center received its accreditation from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

"When everyone's selfless, great love combines together, that is the greatest environment."
16/11/2025

"When everyone's selfless, great love combines together, that is the greatest environment."

"True happiness is measured by love, and not by one's possessions."
13/11/2025

"True happiness is measured by love, and not by one's possessions."

Tzu Chi Eye Center patients in Sta. Mesa, Manila on November 12 offered prayers and donated to support the relief effort...
12/11/2025

Tzu Chi Eye Center patients in Sta. Mesa, Manila on November 12 offered prayers and donated to support the relief efforts for the victims of the two consecutive typhoons that struck the Philippines in the past two weeks.

“They have no food, no jobs. It was reported in the news that they also do not have water and electricity supplies,” 76-year-old glaucoma patient Triponas Darawan said after making a donation. “We can truly feel their pain and we are praying they recover soon.”

Another patient, Precy Viduya shared that despite the fact that she and her husband, Napoleon, were struggling with poor vision, they still felt fortunate to have a house to come home to and food to eat after their consultation on this day. Whereas, typhoon victims were going hungry after losing everything. The couple spared some money from their transportation allowance, determined to contribute. “When we gather the small donations from all of us, it will amount to something and can help the disaster victims,” 61-year-old Precy said.

On November 4, Tropical Cyclone Tino (Kalmaegi) battered the Visayas region, triggering massive flooding and flash floods that resulted in 232 casualties and over 100 individuals missing. Five days later, on November 9, Super Typhoon Uwan (Fung-Wong) made landfall in Aurora province, damaging over 150,000 houses and displacing nearly 380,000 individuals.

In Cebu, local Tzu Chi volunteers have been on the ground, conducting assessments and relief distributions. On November 11 and 12, they brought much-needed relief items in heavily-devastated cities of Talisay and Mandaue.

Tzu Chi Eye Center will continue to run donation drives in the coming days, encouraging more hearts to support the relief efforts. After all, in times of crisis, kindness is the strongest force we can share.

Bacood schoolchildren beamed with joy on Friday, November 7, as they received their long-awaited prescription eyeglasses...
12/11/2025

Bacood schoolchildren beamed with joy on Friday, November 7, as they received their long-awaited prescription eyeglasses from the Tzu Chi Eye Center. The new eyeglasses will allow them to follow lessons without needing front-row seats. This is part of an ongoing partnership between Bacood Elementary School and Tzu Chi that aimed to address vision problems affecting students’ learning.

Bacood Elementary School had identified over 300 of their students as struggling readers largely due to poor eyesight. Majority of these students come from low-income families and had never undergone eye check-ups.

The first batch, composed of 16 students, received comprehensive eye consultations on October 22 under Tzu Chi Eye Center volunteer optometrist Dr. Adriene Elizabeth Lim’s care.

The program seeks to reach all the identified struggling readers of Bacood Elementary School, helping them see clearly and perform better academically.

11/11/2025

60-year-old Jarold Presa left his hometown of Tuguegarao City to seek cataract treatment in Manila. In the bustling Recto Avenue, he met individuals who took advantage of his blindness and people who restored his faith in humanity.

This morning, Metro Manila was under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 because of Super Typhoon Uwan. Despite this, the...
10/11/2025

This morning, Metro Manila was under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 because of Super Typhoon Uwan. Despite this, the Tzu Chi Eye Center continued to serve underprivileged patients in need of surgeries and comprehensive check-ups.

Surgeons Dr. Catherine Fernandez and Dr. Jose Martin Timothy Chua, together with anesthesiologist Dr. Mercy Jatico, braved the inclement weather for their patients.

“I feel privileged because I have a vehicle. If the patients can make the effort to come here, then what reason do I have not to be here?” Dr. Catherine shared. “For me, this is not just a job—it’s an opportunity to help. If I have the capacity to give, then I will give!”

78-year-old Estrella Condes suffered from cataracts for two years. She had asked her children to take her to the hospital, fearing she could lose her vision entirely. However, after learning the high cost of surgery, she decided not to return—causing her eye condition to worsen over time.

Luckily, a friend told her about the Tzu Chi Eye Center. Despite the heavy rain and strong winds brought by the typhoon, Estrella arrived today for her scheduled operation. Dr. Catherine successfully performed the surgery on her left eye. Estrella was deeply grateful.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mercy guided patients and ensured their comfort throughout the operation. Some patients were elderly and had hearing difficulties, yet Dr. Mercy never complained, remaining by their side to offer reassurance.

“It is my pleasure to be of service to the patients. I need to assist them during the surgery, so that Dr. Catherine can also work well. I thanked everyone here that we are able to give what we can for our patients and make them more comfortable during surgery."

Today, the Tzu Chi Eye Center accommodated 50 patients – among them, 17 underwent surgeries, 4 laser, 9 diagnostic procedures, and 20 comprehensive eye consultations. Despite the challenges brought by the typhoon, the Tzu Chi medical team made every effort to ensure that patients received timely care. As Master Cheng Yen says, "Seize every opportunity to do good."

"Take each step softly, so as not to hurt the land."
09/11/2025

"Take each step softly, so as not to hurt the land."

"A broad and forgiving heart is the fountain of happiness."
06/11/2025

"A broad and forgiving heart is the fountain of happiness."

With both parents constantly away for work, Kristine Villafuerte grew up around her maternal aunt, Pacita Jaravata. Aun...
03/11/2025

With both parents constantly away for work, Kristine Villafuerte grew up around her maternal aunt, Pacita Jaravata.

Aunt Pacita is a polio survivor. She has weak upper limbs - a remnant of the tough battle she had endured and conquered. Despite her physical limitations, she carried out household chores expertly. She fetched water for their needs, carrying the pail of water between her teeth. To her nephews and nieces, she was both gentle and strict. She took them to school and brought them home after classes. Her hands seemed flimsy but they were strong enough to guide and correct their misbehaviors.

Aunt Pacita did not marry, or built a family of her own. Her sister, nieces, and nephews gave her enough love than she needed.

For Kristine, Pacita was more than an aunt. She was her second mother, her own unlikely heroine. But even the strongest had to fall at one point. Now 84 years old, Pacita's strength has declined and her eyes are clouded with cataracts. However, the idea of undergoing surgery terrified her. Determined to restore Aunt Pacita's eyesight, Kristine took time off work to bring her to the Tzu Chi Eye Center in Sta. Mesa, Manila, encouraged by the positive reviews from its former patients. On October 28, Aunt Pacita underwent cataract surgery. Kristine also took leave of absence to be there for her.

Inside the operating room, Aunt Pacita was showered with utmost care she had forgotten her fears. As Dr. Jessica Daza performed the surgery, anesthesiologist Dr. Harley Tan ensured Aunt Pacita was at ease throughout the operation. After the procedure, Aunt Pacita's gratitude flowed endlessly.

When aunt and niece reunited, both hearts filled with gratitude. "These are my aunt's last years with us and we want her to enjoy it," Kristine said. "We want her to see our faces at least and to give back the love she had so generously given us over the years."

Looking at the children she helped raise succeed in life while still making time to care for her, Aunt Pacita knew all the love she gave was worth it.

"𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒆 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝒘𝒆 𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏." - 𝑱𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑺𝒊 𝑨𝒑𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒎

"Wisdom lies in not allowing the mind to become stuck in interpersonal conflicts."
02/11/2025

"Wisdom lies in not allowing the mind to become stuck in interpersonal conflicts."

For 49-year-old Renante Balite from Quezon City, life had just fallen into the same routine—waking up in the morning and...
30/10/2025

For 49-year-old Renante Balite from Quezon City, life had just fallen into the same routine—waking up in the morning and spending the rest of his day either lying in bed or sitting on his wheelchair.

Renante has been suffering from high uric acid levels for two decades, which caused severe swelling in his hands and joints. As his condition worsened, he eventually lost the ability to walk. Last year, he was also diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. Because of his deteriorating health, he chose to separate from his wife, not wanting to burden her with his struggles. However, his condition prevented him from fulfilling his responsibilities to his three children.

Life dealt Renante yet another challenge when, just a year ago, his vision began to dim. As his sight declined, he grew increasingly hopeless. Even the small eatery that once kept him busy was deeply affected as he could barely see the menu anymore. All he could do now was taste the food being cooked.

Renante gradually lost his will to live. He felt that he no longer had any purpose in life. When he sought treatment, he was discouraged by the expensive cost of surgery. Luckily, a friend told him about the Tzu Chi Eye Center in Sta. Mesa, Manila. In September, with the help of Tzu Chi Medical Foundation Philippines President Dr. Antonio S. Say, Renante regained the vision in his left eye. A month later, on October 25, he underwent another successful operation on his right eye.

Now that he has regained his vision, Renante has become more optimistic and determined to live a meaningful life. Even though he can no longer walk, he can see clearly again —this alone is already a great blessing!

Grateful for his second chance at sight, Renante began introducing Tzu Chi to others, especially to those who cannot afford expensive eye treatments. Inspired by his story, many have also expressed their desire to visit the Tzu Chi Eye Center for an eye check-up.

“I told them, ‘Just come and be patient. Even if there are many people, the process is fast—and there are even free snacks!’” he shared, drawing laughter and smiles from everyone present.

"Engage in positive speech but refrain from gossiping."
30/10/2025

"Engage in positive speech but refrain from gossiping."

Address

1000 Cordillera Street Corner Lubiran Street, Bacood, Sta. Mesa
Manila
1016

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 8am - 5pm

Website

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