The Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines Inc. was founded by Venerable Dharma Master Cheng Yen to “help the poor and educate the rich” thru material aid giving to the needy and inspiring love and humanity to both givers and receivers. The humanitarian work is both a means to help those in need, and also a way to open the eyes of the volunteers to the harsher side of life, so that through giving, they may find spiritual happiness and life’s true meaning. It was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a non-stock, non-profit corporation under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines on November 10, 1995. It also dedicates itself in the field of medicine, education, environmental protection, international relief work, bone marrow registry, promotes humanistic values and community volunteerism. It is an operating organization. The organization has 112 regular staff, 42 probationary staff, 1,745 volunteers, and 13 members of the Board of Trustees.
It was first certified for 3 years on April 4, 2007 which ended on April 3, 2010. First Renewal was certified for 3 years on October 19, 2010 which ended on August 25, 2013. Second renewal was certified for 5 years on May 7, 2014 and which will end on February 11, 2019.
Its purposes, among others, are “to be a leading institution that will produce individuals who will carry out great love to one another with care and respect for all and will help purify the minds of the people, harmonize the society and make the world be free from all disasters”. The programs of the foundation include: 1) Mission of Charity; 2) Mission of Medicine; 3) Mission of Education; 4) Mission of Humanity; 5) International Relief; 6) Bone Marrow Donation; 7) Environmental Protection; 8) Community Volunteers. Geographical scope of areas: Nationwide and countries affected by disasters.