January 8, 2026
TIMA doctors gather in thanksgiving event
By Thania Florendo
Members of the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) came together for a thanksgiving gathering on January 7, at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
Held in a warm and festive atmosphere, the gathering opened with fellowship and dinner, allowing doctors from various departments to reconnect after years of medical missions, clinics, and humanitarian work. TIMA head Dr. Josefino “Jo” Qua welcomed the participants, emphasizing that the event marked only the beginning of more reunions to come.
Dr. Qua also outlined the association’s continuing and upcoming initiatives. In 2025, the Tzu Chi Free Clinic served a total of 1,596 patients, including 652 for acupuncture, 160 for physical therapy, 128 for ENT, and 253 for dental care. Meanwhile, the 283rd medical mission in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, held from August 14–16, 2025, attended to 5,338 patients across general medicine, OB-Gyne, ENT, pediatrics, dental, eye care, minor surgeries, and prosthetics. Representatives from various departments were welcomed, underscoring the multidisciplinary effort behind TIMA’s outreach.
“We’re not only able to help many patients, but we feel deep satisfaction in helping them. We have bigger plans. Possibly in the next few years, we will be having our own hospital with 300 to 400 bed capacity, along with clinics and a dialysis center to serve even more people,” he proudly shared.
Throughout the evening, doctors shared deeply personal stories from their years of volunteering—stories of hardship, compassion, and hope.
Pediatrician Dr. Catherine Caño, who’s in her second year as a TIMA member, shared how hearing stories of relief efforts after recent calamities reaffirmed her commitment to volunteer work. Despite logistical challenges and difficult conditions, she said Tzu Chi volunteers consistently show up for those in need.
“There will always be challenges, but we’re here, and we will continue to help,” she assured.
Dr. Johanna Go, an internal medicine specialist and member of TIMA Philippines’s chapter since March 2025 and Taiwan chapter since October, spoke about the realities faced by patients living in poverty, where healthcare often becomes an impossible choice.
“Most patients who come in at a free clinic usually have nothing. They come from nothing, but these patients are very appreciative. And likewise, all the volunteer doctors here, they do serve with a heart. Patients feel that they are cared for, not rushed, not judged—and that makes all the difference. So if others would like to volunteer, just bring your heart and your willingness to help others, and everything else is provided,” she encouraged.
Longtime TIMA volunteer dentist Dr. Rosa Fruto expressed gratitude for being part of a service-driven community of volunteers, praising Tzu Chi’s support for volunteers. She emphasized that volunteering brings unexpected rewards: “When we give, we gain more than what we give,” she said. Recalling a young patient she treated, Dr. Fruto shared how she felt she received more than she gave—learning lessons of hope, perseverance, and unconditional love from the patient’s family.
Beyond sharing, TIMA volunteers played games including Human Bingo, where they interacted with fellow medical professionals, and Don’t Touch the Color, which tested their competitive spirit and brought laughter throughout Jing Si Hall. Winners received simple prizes in recognition of their efforts.
The evening concluded with a solemn tribute honoring a long-serving technician Reynaldo “Ando” Guno, who supported TIMA medical missions for over 25 years. Dr. Qua recalled his dedication—often the first to prepare the operating room and the last to leave—working quietly and without complaint. He passed away following the medical mission in Zamboanga Sibugay, despite the efforts of volunteer doctors to revive him in a setting with limited emergency facilities.
“We lost one, but we still have to proceed,” Dr. Qua said, urging everyone to remember his service and carry his spirit forward.
As the program ended, the gathering stood as both a thanksgiving and a recommitment— honoring the past, strengthening present bonds, and looking ahead to a future of expanded care for communities in need.
TIMA volunteers from various medical specialties gather at Jing Si Hall on January 7 for a thanksgiving event celebrating service, fellowship, and continued commitment to humanitarian care.
Tzu Chi volunteer Siu Siu (Lee-Ching Lu, left) led the kitchen team in preparing and serving a vegetarian dinner, warmly enjoyed by the medical practitioners.
A wide spread of vegetarian dishes was on display for medical practitioners to enjoy.
A wide spread of vegetarian dishes was on display for medical practitioners to enjoy.
Tzu Chi volunteer Lino Sy hosted the TIMA thanksgiving gathering, introducing speakers and guiding the program.
TIMA and Tzu Chi volunteers pose for a picture after the thanksgiving dinner.
TIMA head Dr. Jo Qua delivered his opening remarks, briefly reflecting on the group’s 2025 accomplishments and outlining plans for future initiatives.
Dr. Catherine Caño was moved by volunteers’ resilience during recent calamities, saying their perseverance inspires her own service.
Dr. Johanna Go spoke about the realities faced by low-income patients, emphasizing the importance of genuine service and making patients feel supported.
Dr. Rosa Fruto thanked Tzu Chi’s medical missions for their efficiency and generosity, allowing volunteers to focus on patient care.
TIMA volunteers livened up the gathering by playing Human Bingo, boosting engagement among members.
TIMA volunteers livened up the gathering by playing Human Bingo, boosting engagement among members.
Doctors, nurses, and medical practitioners played Tzu Chi’s version of Human Bingo, visiting different tables to complete the game.
Doctors, nurses, and medical practitioners played Tzu Chi’s version of Human Bingo, visiting different tables to complete the game.
Their competitive spirit was tested in the “Don’t Touch the Color” game.
Their competitive spirit was tested in the “Don’t Touch the Color” game.
Laughter and shrieks echoed through Jing Si Hall as everyone stayed focused on the game, reacting each time someone was eliminated.
Laughter and shrieks echoed through Jing Si Hall as everyone stayed focused on the game, reacting each time someone was eliminated.
Winners received simple prizes in recognition of their competitive spirit.
Before the event wrapped up, Tzu Chi volunteer Molita Chua shared details about the upcoming Tzu Chi Charity Run for Education.
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez closed the event, thanking everyone and sharing his excitement for the upcoming launch of Tzu Chi Hospital.
TIMA and Tzu Chi volunteers posed happily for a posterity photo, concluding the gathering and looking forward to more frequent meetups.