Mr. Joven Uy also helped in the rice distribution. 【Photo by Marjorie Gornez】
Story Highlights
A total of 247 families from San Isidro, Sagbayan were given 20-kilo sacks of Taiwan Rice.
One of the rice beneficiaries Lucia Cellan was very grateful that she got to know Tzu Chi Foundation. She said that the sack of rice will support her family for around 2 weeks.
A total of 247 residents of San Isidro, Sagbayan in Bohol received 20-kilo sacks of Taiwan Rice distributed by Tzu Chi Foundation on June 3, 2018.
For years, Tzu Chi Bohol has supported the Boholanos through various activities such as medical missions and rice distributions. The sacks of rice from Taiwan have been a Boholano staple since the 2013 earthquake hit the island province.
On June 3, 2018, a rice distribution was held at San Isidro, Sagbayan benefitting 247 families. The recipients were very patient as they first listened to the teachings of Master Cheng Yen during a short program. Many were teary-eyed as they watched how Tzu Chi Foundation has helped people, not only in the island province but also other parts of the country.
“I only heard about Tzu Chi Foundation recently through my neighbors. I have heard many good things about this foundation. I am so grateful that I was given the chance to know Tzu Chi and to listen to its teachings,” said Lucia Cellan, 62 years old, one of the rice beneficiaries.
“This sack of rice will provide for my family for around 2 weeks. This would be a big help for us. The money intended to buy rice will be used to buy our other needs,” she added.
During the short program, Rose Marie Brisulda, whose son dislocated his hip and was treated through the help of Tzu Chi shared her experience.
“My son Zyriel had a terrible accident when he was an infant. I almost lost hope for my son since we can’t afford to bring him to a hospital. When we sought help from Tzu Chi Foundation, they had no second thoughts in helping my son. Thankfully, he was successfully operated on by Dr. Giorgio Barza at Chinese General Hospital. Now he can walk again,” a teary-eyed Rose Marie said.
“No words can express the gratitude of my family for all the help that Tzu Chi Foundation has given to my son. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much Tzu Chi and Master Cheng Yen,” she added.
After the program, the distribution of rice followed. The rice beneficiaries followed the Tzu Chi way as they lined up and waited for their turn to get their 20-kilo sack of Taiwan rice. It was a joyous and wonderful day for the Sagbayanons.