Tzu Chi Medical Foundation Philippines

10/03/2026

The dedication of its volunteers enabled Tzu Chi Eye Center to successfully operate on 61 patients from Dagupan City on March 7, without a single deferral. This perfect clearance rate was as result of the meticulous pre-surgery assessments conducted by volunteer internist Dr. Gina Ang, who went to Dagupan City to personally evaluate each patient from February 21 to 22.

Meanwhile, seven volunteer eye surgeons performed operations from 6:00 a.m. until past noon on March 7. The next day, Tzu Chi Eye Center Medical Director Dr. Bernardita Navarro drove five hours to Dagupan City to conduct a post-operative check on the patients.

These efforts exemplify the Eye Center’s commitment to its patients’ well-being and recovery.

For the patients, these did more than restore their eyesight. It revived their strength and hopes of contributing to their communities, and allowed them to regain the simple joys they thought they had lost forever.

READ FULL STORY: https://medium.com//life-begins-again-for-dagupan-cataract-patients-6452030d5e85

10/03/2026

MAHALAGANG PAUNAWA ‼

Sa mga pasyenteng natingnan sa aming pasilidad at nabigyan ng laboratory test request, mangyaring sundin ang schedule ng pagpasa, o pagsumite ng requirements ngayong buwan para sa inyong operasyon:

TAKDANG ARAW NG PAGSUMITE NG REQUIREMENTS:
Marso 23, 2026 (LUNES)

Maraming salamat sa inyong kooperasyon.

09/03/2026

On February 27, the Tzu Chi Eye Center had the privilege of hosting Taiwan Health and Welfare Minister Chung-Liang Shih during his recent visit to the Philippines.

Dr. Antonio Say, President of the Tzu Chi Medical Foundation Philippines, personally guided the Minister through the facility, showcasing the advanced clinical and surgical technology dedicated to restoring Filipino patients' sight.

Minister Shih lauded the medical team for their selfless service to the Filipino people. He also offered to share Taiwan’s corneal transplant advancements with the Eye Center to benefit more patients in the Philippines.

"This is my second visit to the Tzu Chi Eye Center in the Philippines and I am happy to see that it continues to improve. I can say that the Filipinos are very lucky to have this Eye Center and its volunteers," Minister Shih said.

09/03/2026

Glaucoma is known as the "silent thief of sight" because it often presents no symptoms until its advanced stages. But vision loss can be prevented with early detection!

This World Glaucoma Week, Tzu Chi Eye Center joins the global movement to raise awareness and combat glaucoma blindness with the help of our dedicated volunteer specialists, medical team, and supportive donors.

09/03/2026

Tzu Chi and the Quezon City Ladies Foundation join hands in helping poor people get free eye screening and surgery.

Read more at:

The Quezon City Ladies Foundation (QCLF) and Tzu Chi Medical Foundation Philippines (TCMFP) have joined hands to help poor city residents with eye problems get

08/03/2026

"When we talk about love, we should talk about great love."

07/03/2026

Meet Robert Ong, a Tzu Chi volunteer with a mission to turn waiting time into "wellness time."

Robert guides patients through simple, seated exercises that keep the body moving and the mind sharp. With his big heart and generosity of spirit, he helped ease the patients' anxiety and keeps them thoughtfully engaged while they wait for their consultations.

A huge thank you to Robert and to all the volunteers who make our patients' experience feel like a warm embrace of care and community.

06/03/2026

Two years ago, Jimmy Ang came to the Tzu Chi Eye Center as a patient in need of cataract surgery. On February 27, during an eye screening project between Tzu Chi and the Quezon City Ladies Foundation, he returned to serve.

Touched by the compassionate care he received, Jimmy, who is also the Director of the Philippine Coast Guard 116th Auxiliary Squadron, brought stock pots of warm porridge to nourish our patients and volunteers. But he did not come alone. Jimmy invited his fellow Squadron members for a tour of the Eye Center and to witness the life-changing work happening here.

"I invited them to see what Tzu Chi contributes to society, hoping that the next leaders of our organizations will continue their support," Jimmy shared.

READ FULL STORY: https://bit.ly/4r8cgOv

A huge thank you to the 116th Auxiliary Squadron for their generous donation of bread, socks, and funds to support our mission. It’s a beautiful reminder that kindness always comes full circle.

05/03/2026

During a joint eye screening project by the Tzu Chi Eye Center and the Quezon City Ladies Foundation on February 27, 49-year-old street sweeper Emelinda Acosta was among those seeking help. Cataracts had left her nearly blind in one eye.

“There were times when I had to skip work because my head hurts and my eyesight is blurry,” Emelinda said, describing the project as a blessing. “I often wished that something like this would happen to help me receive treatment for my eyesight. That way, I would be healthier and could continue to provide for my daughter and my grandchild.”

The project was also an answered prayer for Mark Angelo Sideco. Mark serves as the primary caregiver for his wife, who is currently battling ovarian cancer. When his own vision began to fail due to cataracts, their situation became dire. “To help her, my wife actually had to accompany me to process her own medical documents because she had to serve as my eyes,” Mark explained. “That is why restoring my sight is urgent so I can give her the care she needs right now.”

Meanwhile, Celsa Labares has always been a filial daughter. She encouraged her 85-year-old mother’s active lifestyle, including Zumba sessions to keep her busy and happy. However, her mother Leonila Bingco’s independence is threatened when she started complaining about her cloudy vision. “She only had one eye left and now, we could even lose it,” she said. Leonila lost her right to an infection in her younger years.

Determined to save her mother’s sight, Celsa immediately registered her name for consultation when she heard about this eye screening project between Tzu Chi and QCLFI.

After her consultation with a volunteer ophthalmologist, Leonila and her daughter were both relieved. “I am happy that they would operate on me and restore my eyesight,” Leonila said.

Of the over 400 patients screened on this day, 120 were advised surgery and laser procedures. The QCLFI committed to helping these patients with their required pre-surgery laboratory tests and medical clearances. Tzu Chi Eye Center, through its volunteer surgeons, meanwhile, stood ready to perform the operations.

READ STORY: https://bit.ly/4r8cgOv

05/03/2026

"Only when we are content with a simple life will we be blessed with peace."

04/03/2026

The University of Santo Tomas Medical Alumni Association, Inc. recognized Tzu Chi Medical Foundation Philippines President Dr. Antonio Say for his dedication and transformative contribution to medical education with an award during the Association's 86th Grand Alumni Homecoming held on January 17, 2026.