Longtime partners of Tzu Chi Philippines and key personalities from local and national government and the Filipino Chinese business community showed their support for Tzu Chi Foundation’s upcoming Tzu Chi Medical Center by attending its groundbreaking rites on May 8 at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus (BTCC) in Sta. Mesa, Manila. 

Addressing guests before the historic moment, Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez said, “Through the years we have done difficult things together. I thank all volunteers and donors for your tireless support. I thank all the guests who chose to join us today. I hope that you have found moments where your heart has been touched by the spirit of what we do.”

 

Manila City Mayor, the Hon. Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso, who graced the event together with his vice mayor, Hon. Angela Lei “Chi” Atienza, and councilor Jefferson Lau, praised Tzu Chi “for its unwavering commitment to serve the poorest of the poor.” 

 

“The City of Manila is fully behind this project,” he said in his speech. “We will ensure that this vision becomes a reality for the benefit of our constituents.” 

 

Joining CEO Yuñez in the symbolic shoveling of gravel at the groundbreaking marker were Ambassador Francis Chua, Zest-O Corporation Chairman Ambassador Alfredo Yao, SM Prime Holdings Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, Murang Kuryente Party-list Representative Arthur C. Yap, architect and master planner Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr., Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCI) President Victor Lim, FFCCCI Immediate Past President Dr. Cecilio Pedro, and Chinese Filipino Business Club Inc. President Gerald Uy Chan. 

 

Participating as well in this milestone occasion were Angelo King Foundation Inc. President Teddy Kingsu and Director Joaquin Sy; Kaisa Para sa Kaunlaran Inc. President Teresita Ang See; John & Mary Kaw Charitable Foundation Treasurer Abigail See and Edna Go; Lao Foundation Head of Operations Cristina Viray and Human Resources Head Maricor Lucido; New Golden City Builders President Manny Sy; Metrobank Vice President Zandra Ty; Motortrade Philippines’ Thomas Ongtenco, Shirley Ongtenco, and Luisa Ongtenco; Macoda Logistics CEO Nina Balboa; W Group Inc. Founder Rosalind Wee; Neltex Development Co. Inc.’s Nelson C. Sy and Betty Sy; Regan Industrial Sales Inc.’s Jun Sy; Wilcon Depot Inc. Founder and Chairman Emeritus William Belo; and Quezon City Association of Filipino-Chinese Businessmen, Inc. President Rorvik Cheng. 

 

The Tzu Chi Medical Center is set to be a 12-story, 5,000-plus-square-meter tertiary hospital with a 300-plus-bed capacity. All patients regardless of their social status, financial capacity, and faith can avail of quality medical treatment and services.