May 6, 2026
Tzu Chi Zamboanga youth joins Manila training camp
By Delwiess Danda
“Life is impermanent, but wisdom-life lasts forever. Love is boundless; its spirit will live on.”- Dharma Master Cheng Yen
As a son of Tzu Chi volunteers in Zamboanga, John Davidson Luy has seen his parents doing charitable causes since he was a young boy. He didn’t know what he really wanted to become back then, but growing up in a family that was active in community volunteerism, it was instilled in him to become a seed of change in the future.
Years later, he was one of the 52 volunteer youth in the 2026 Tzu Chi Youth Camp from May 1 to 3 at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus, Sta. Mesa, Manila. Davidson, together with his local project manager, Tzu Chi Zamboanga volunteer Dhing Abdulaup, spent three days attending lectures and facilitating activities based on the theme “Seed of Change: Growing a Better Tomorrow.” The camp focused on how the youth can have a great impact in creating a better generation of leaders in the future.
“I remember I was in Grade One when I started helping my parents as they served in medical missions and disaster relief after a typhoon," Davidson said, remembering how the experience made him dedicated to serving the community.
Davidson is currently a second-year business administration student from Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU). Although he is familiar with Tzu Chi because of his family background, his curiosity sparked a deeper interest upon seeing the foundation’s youth volunteers wearing the purple-and-white uniform. He then asked about the group, and later on discovered the Tzu Chi Youth volunteers. At the age of 20, he officially became a part of the youth organization in their city.
In his first few months as a member, Davidson became involved in tree-planting initiatives and coastal clean-up drives in Zamboanga City. He also actively participated in fundraising, in which he discovered his strength. He spearheaded the initial planning and execution of a sale of pre-loved items,which took place at Zamboanga Chong Hua High School gymnasium on December 12, 15 and 16, 2025. The effort raised around P13,000 for the youth fund to provide financial support for future activities. Together with his Tzu Chi youth members, he visited malls on November 22, 2025 to organize a coin donation drive and collected P4,000 for the people of Cebu affected by Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi), one of the deadliest storms that hit Central Philippines in early November 2025.
“What I value most about being part of Tzu Chi is to be content with what I have, because I can see that there are people who are in need, who are suffering, and we are here to voluntarily help them,” he said. Through this experience, he learned the importance of gratitude and empathy and promised to continue inspiring other youth in his hometown.
During the three-day camp, he highlighted how the shared meals became an avenue for participants to interact more freely, break barriers, and strengthen their connection with fellow youth. “I cannot forget the first night’s dinner, where we got to know each other while enjoying the food. It was a meaningful moment for us.”
As they closed the event, participants were surprised with the arrival of their parents, making the camp more meaningful and emotional for everyone. Tzu Chi Youth were overjoyed as they witnessed the successful outcome of the program they organized for months. Davidson, who was part of the planning committee, was all smiles when the camp wrapped up.
As Tzu Chi Youth Zamboanga prepares for its own camp this July 10-12, Davidson encourages his peers to participate and embrace positivity. “I am calling out the youth to join our training camp to grow and have fun,” he said, emphasizing that the program provides young people with an opportunity to build friendships, develop leadership skills, and learn values that can positively change their lives and communities.
Looking forward, he wants to continue serving with big love in the community. He takes pride in being accepting to all ,embracing every person in the community equally, without distinction.
John Davidson Luy is all smiles at the closing of the 2026 Tzu Chi Youth Camp in the Jing Si Hall of Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus.
Tzu Chi Youth camp participants take center stage for their efforts and active participation during the event.
John Davidson Luy helps unload boxes of thrifted clothing in preparation for a sale that he organized for three days in December 2025.
Davidson sets up a display table piled with assorted pre-loved clothes sourced from private donors. .
Staff from Zamboanga Chong Hua High School begin digging through the items hoping to find hidden gems.
Through teamwork and service, Tzu Chi Youth Zamboanga actively supports and helps facilitate the initiative.
Shoppers at KCC Mall de Zamboanga are encouraged to donate any amount to support beneficiaries of Typhoon Tino in Cebu.
Davidson uses a Tzu Chi coin can to receive donations in a fund-raising initiative for typhoon victims in Cebu.
Tzu Chi Zamboanga youth volunteers join Davidson in a fund-raising initiative at the mall.
Organizers of the 2026 Tzu Chi Youth Camp gather for a group photo, expressing joy and fulfilment over the successful conduct of the camp.