The journey toward a medical facility in the Philippines began 31 years ago in the classrooms of Baguio. At that time, volunteer medical professionals transformed simple desks into surgery tables to serve patients who had no other access to care. On May 8, that long-held vision took a physical form as community leaders and volunteers gathered at the Tzu Chi Campus in Santa Mesa, Manila, for the groundbreaking of the Tzu Chi Medical Center.

Breaking the cycle of poverty

For many families in Manila, a single illness can lead to financial ruin. During the ceremony, Henry Yuñez, CEO of Tzu Chi Philippines, explained that the new medical center is designed specifically to address the link between health and economic stability. He noted that the facility serves as a commitment to help families stay on their feet when health crises strike.

When a family member falls ill, the income stream changes. The living conditions change, and they become trapped in a cycle. Master Cheng Yen established our mission of charity and medicine to hopefully break this cycle. As we break this ground, we know the journey ahead will not be easy. But together, we will build this place of healing, brick by brick.
— Henry Yuñez, CEO of Tzu Chi Philippines

The ceremony was attended by Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno, Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, and local community leaders. Mayor Moreno emphasized that the center’s presence in the city provides a vital safety net for those who have the least, offering them high-quality care that would otherwise be out of reach.

A sanctuary for healing in Manila

The facility will be a 12-story tertiary hospital spanning over 5,000 square meters. Designed to be a place where medical technology meets compassionate care, the hospital's capacity will be over 300 beds.

Dr. Josefino Qua, a co-founding member of the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA), is overseeing the project. He explained that the center will not distinguish between patients based on their background or financial status.

It will cater to everybody, whether you’re rich or poor, whatever your nationality, whatever your race. Sickness is treated with medicine, but when you have people with a human side to them, your healing will be much, much faster. — Josefino Qua, Physician and Project Lead

The Mayor highlighted that the "humanistic approach" of the volunteers—treating the person’s dignity along with their illness—is what makes this project essential for the city’s constituents. He noted that the volunteers have already proven their commitment through years of disaster relief and pandemic support in Manila.

A legacy of commitment

The plan for a hospital in the Philippines was first suggested by Dharma Master Cheng Yen in 1997, following the success of early medical missions. While the project was paused for many years, its revival marks a renewed promise to the people of the Philippines.

During the ceremony, Dharma Master De Yue, representing Tzu Chi's headquarters in Taiwan, shared a message of hope. She noted that every shovel of earth moved during the groundbreaking represents a long-term commitment to relieving suffering. The future hospital is intended to be more than just a building; it is a collective effort of the community to ensure that no one has to face illness alone.

As construction begins, the medical center stands as a symbol of how community cooperation can create lasting change. By focusing on the needs of the most vulnerable, the facility aims to provide a path toward health and dignity for all residents of the capital.