Thursday this week saw Gov. Edgar M. Chatto in a meeting with representatives of Tzu Chi Foundation and was moved with their mission. Literally meaning "Compassionate Relief," Tzu Chi is an international humanitarian organization and the largest non-governmental organization (NGO) in the Chinese-speaking world with a special consultative status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council. With Chatto were Bishop Leonardo Medroso and Archie Lungay, who represented First District Representative Cong. Rene Relampagos, Tzu Chi representatives brought with them excerpts of their humanitarian activities all over the world. Tzu Chi advocates explained that they conduct their mission via an international network of volunteers who are easily recognized by their blue and white uniforms.

Their relief workers are called "blue angels" for this distinctive appearance and often referred to as "blue sky, white clouds." The foundation has several sub-organizations, like the Tzu Chi International Medical Association which is composed of medical profession personnel who travel overseas to volunteer their services in poor communities without access to medical care and during international disaster relief. To emphasize this, they showed Gov. Chatto a film of their relief works in some parts of the globe, especially in India. As a non-profit organization, it has built many hospitals and schools worldwide, including a network of world-class medical facilities in Taiwan and a comprehensive education system spanning from kindergarten through university and medical school. Schools were built in the aftermath of the earthquakes in Iran, China and Haiti.

The organization also maintains a small number of nuns who are self-sufficient, including growing their own food. The Tzu Chi representatives informed the governor that they could extend any help that the Provincial Government would ask from them, especially in helping rebuild the lives of those affected by the October 15 earthquake. Even if the Tzu Chi Foundation is Buddhist in origins and beliefs, it is popularly known for its selfless contributions to society in numerous ways in the areas of charity, medicine, education and culture, its official motto being, "Four endeavors, eight footprints." The eight footprints are charity causes, medical contributions, education development, humanities, international disaster assistance, bone-marrow donation, community volunteerism, and environmental protection. Gov. Chatto is very thankful to the Tzu Chi for going out of its way to volunteer their help to the Boholanos and assured everyone that they would hear from him right after his meeting with Vice-Gov. Concepcion Lim, Provincial Administrator Ae Damalerio and the Provincial Board. (jlv/EDCom)