June 19, 2025
Tzu Chi holds media launch for its Charity Run 2025
By Dorothy Castro
On June 19, Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines held a launch for its second Tzu Chi Charity Run for Education at the Cafe of Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus, Sta. Mesa, Manila.
The fundraising event, happening on July 20 at Bridgetowne, Pasig, aims to support the studies of the current 1,395 scholars under the foundation’s Educational Assistance Program, and the 51 scholars in its Technical-Vocational program.
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez led the media launch. He was joined by Deputy CEO Peggy Sy Jiang, Communications Department Head Judy Lao, Head of Education Committee Rosa So, Tzu Chi commissioner Johnny Kwok, and Andrew Neri, managing director of Runrio, Inc.
Organized by Runrio, inc. with Bridgetowne Destination Estate as its venue sponsor, the Tzu Chi Charity Run for Education 2025 presents new giveaways for runners who cross the finish line: a new design to the race singlet made from recycled PET bottles, a new collapsible and reusable silicone cup, and new, specially designed finisher medals. The race routes were also formally announced for the run’s official categories: 1K, 3K, 5K, and 10K.
Tzu Chi commissioner Jane Sy hosted the event, sharing the story of Tzu Chi’s beginnings, the coin bank era, and a look back at the first Tzu Chi Charity Run 2024.
“We are back, and we are growing bigger this year!” says Sy. With Tzu Chi’s success drawing 6,000 runners in 2024, the foundation is now gunning for the participation of 8,000 runners.
For Andrew Neri, this continued partnership between Tzu Chi and Runrio is their way of supporting the foundation’s humanitarian work. This also marks Runrio’s first time to organize a run in Bridgetowne, Pasig, home of the iconic “Victor” statue.
Highlighting the foundation’s commitment to the mission of environmental protection, Tzu Chi commissioner Johnny Kwok cited eco-friendly event souvenirs, like singlets made from recycled PET bottles and reusable silicone hydration cups.
Tzu Chi Education Committee Head Rosa So reminded guests, “You are running with joy, you are running with your heart.” She then explained how Tzu Chi’s Educational Assistance and Technical-Vocational programs have changed the lives of over 16,000 scholars and their families since 1995.
Guests then listened to the stories of Technical-Vocational scholar Esmeralda Daganasol and Educational Assistance scholar Heart Baquilar.
For Daganasol, completing her caregiving course at Tzu Chi became a second shot at a life of heartbreak and frustration, while for Baquilar, a 3rd year college student taking up Early Childhood Education at Philippine Normal University (PNU), a scholarship opened doors to many opportunities as a student-athlete.
“There are so many possibilities for our [Tzu Chi] scholars,” says Communications Head Judy Lao, who recounted the numerous instances disadvantaged youth were able to reach their potential with the support of Tzu Chi.
“Each step brings young scholars closer to a brighter future,” avers CEO Henry Yuñez.
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On June 19, Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines held its media launch for the 2025 Tzu Chi Charity Run for Education.
Tzu Chi commissioner Jane Sy hosts the event.
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez leads the media launch. To his right is the Tzu Chi coin can, a receptacle of people’s kindness and generosity. It is a highlight of this year’s Charity Run.
The 2025 Tzu Chi Charity Run features an all-new medal, with Tzu Chi’s iconic coin can and movable coin bearing this run’s logo.
Made from recycled PET bottles, the 2025 Charity Run singlet features the motto “One person, one day, one good deed,” in its backside.
Deputy CEO Peggy Sy Jiang (second from left) discusses the power of each runner to change the lives of Tzu Chi scholars. That is the concept of “Kindness Kilometers.” For each kilometer run, scholars are supported throughout their education.
Tzu Chi volunteer Johnny Kwok (left) showcases this year’s race kit inclusions, and the foundation’s eco-friendly approach to the run.
“It’s not only a run for health, it’s also a run for hope,” says Andrew Neri, managing director of Runrio, Inc.
To Tzu Chi Communications Head Judy Lao, the support of runners and other donors is key to the scholars’ success.
“Because of Tzu Chi, I learned that there’s more than one way to reach your dreams,” says Tzu Chi’s Technical-Vocational scholar Esmeralda Daganasol.
“The 2025 Tzu Chi Charity Run is more than just a race; it’s a significant chance to postively impact the lives of aspiring scholars throughout the Philippines,” says Tzu Chi scholar Heart Baquilar.
Tzu Chi Education Committee Head Rosa So shares that since the start of the foundation’s Education Assistance Program in 1995, the lives of over 16,000 scholars have been transformed.
(From left) Tzu Chi Deputy CEO Peggy Sy Jiang, Communications Head Judy Lao, Education Committee Head Rosa So, CEO Henry Yuñez, Volunteer Commissioner Johnny Kwok, and Runrio Managing Director Andrew Neri pose for a photo after the successful media launch.
The media launch panelists take photos with representatives of sponsors Global Oil, Regan Industrial Sales, Inc., Peotraco Food Inc., and Neltex.
Media launch panelists, media teams, sponsor representatives, and guests pose together for a group photo after a successful media launch.