Li Datong, The Life News Agency
August 16, 2023

A lot of primary and secondary schools in cities of Cadiz and Escalante in the Philippines have applied for the Three Acts of Goodness (TAG) School Program this year, aiming to shape children’s positive moral character through the Three Acts of Goodness. on August 7, Venerable Miao Jing, the abbess of Philippines Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple, led Venerable Zhi Rong of Yuan Thong Temple and Ms. Imelda Tabiao and Mr. Jon Tabian, the teachers in charge of Three Acts of Goodness School Program of the Philippines, visited Cadiz and Escalante City, and 6 Three Acts of Goodness schools.

Venerable Miao Jing shared the experience of meditation. photo／The Life News Agency

This year, among all the 49 primary schools and 18 middle schools in Cadiz City, 67 schools participated in the Three Acts of Goodness School Program. In Escalante City, there are 27 elementary schools and 14 middle schools in the city, and 41 schools have applied for the Three Acts of Goodness School Program.

Arlene, director of Cadiz City Education Bureau, attached great importance to this visit and led Deputy Director Julito to accompany Venerable Miao Jing to visit the school. Arlene hopes to use this opportunity to let future successors understand the Fo Guang Shan education system. She would like to thank the Fo Guang Shan Education Foundation of the Philippines for encouraging the schools. Venerable Miao Jing said that many schools joined the Three Acts of Goodness School Program voluntarily, because they found that other schools have achieved good results. This is the philosophy of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founding of Fo Guang Shan: "Sunshine will shine on every corner," even in remote areas.

Arlene, director of Cadiz City Education Bureau, welcomed Venerable Miao Jing. photo／The Life News Agency

Madam Alne from the Education Bureau said that she likes the education and training provided by Fo Guang Shan, which allows everyone to participate and experience, so that everyone can grow physically and mentally.

Villena M Elementary School applies the TAG concept in daily morning reading, and uses storytelling to let students understand moral education. Principal Hazel Ternura said that the three virtues of doing good deeds, speaking good words, and thinking good thoughts bring many benefits. 

Viola, the principal of Progreso Elementary School, set up an art painting class in the school's community office. Graduates serve as art teachers to help students develop their painting skills. There is a farm on the campus, which allows students to experience the fun of planting, and can also read books or rest under the shade of trees.

Venerable Master Hsing Yun's couplets and works are placed in the library. photo／The Life News Agency

This year, 3 students from Daga Elementary School, Aethan, Cara, and Annetone, won the TAG painting competition, and Venerable Miao Jing specially presented them with gifts. Teachers Jessica and Gemma said that the students are very happy to win the award, which is the best encouragement. This year, students from Cadiz won the award, and it is a very special experience to go abroad or receive the award in Manila.

Accompanied by Alne, the director of the Education Bureau, venerables arrived at Escalante in the afternoon. Tayo Primary School is located deep in the mountains, and students seldom go to the city. Three generations of the principal's family teach in the same primary school. The principal said that inheritance is very important, and education in his hometown is more important. Through the Three Acts of Goodness School Program, the school teachers lead the students to arrange an environment for meditation and dialogue with the Virgin under the tree. The Three Acts of Goodness School Program allows teachers and students to get support, and gradually transforms the school, and now there is an outdoor library.

The authorities specially arranged for Venerable Miao Jing to have a discussion with all the officials of the Education Bureau to share how to make good use of the TAG activities to improve the school's safe educational environment.

Ms. Rosalinda Gargarita, the principal of Japitan Nantional Middle School, built a mushroom reading room and outdoor reading space on campus. Washington Elementary School has a tricycle mobile library with the slogan " Three Acts of Goodness" on the roof. Students rode tricycles to the community, providing opportunity for children to read and write.

Washington Elementary School has a tricycle mobile library. photo／The Life News Agency

The principals said that the amount of subsidy from the Three Acts of Goodness School Program is not large, but being selected is an encouragement. The program is based on the TAG concept, so that students can learn more effectively follow the principles at home. Students learn the TAG ideas, reducing or even zeroing out on bullying incidents.