
17/07/2025
This initiative was born during the COVID-19 pandemic. Spearheaded by Dr. Robert Sy, Vice President of Tzu Chi Medical Foundation Philippines, a team of volunteer surgeons performed minor operations for disadvantaged patients at the Tzu Chi recycling station in Barangay Tatalon, Quezon City. "So patients would not have to risk going to hospitals during the pandemic," Dr. Sy, a general surgeon, explained. However, as more patients showed dire need for such services, the team decided to continue the project.
On June 28, they found a new venue at the Tzu Chi Eye Center. Volunteers and staff transformed one of the Eye Center's consultation rooms into a bustling minor surgical theater. Three operating tables were set up, allowing volunteer surgeons Dr. Timoteo Yu, Dr. Anthony Lim, and Dr. Sy to perform operations simultaneously.