Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple
January 31, 2024

On January 26, a team of educators from Department of Education (DepEd) Region VIII, including Dr. Evelyn R. Fetalvero, Regional Director, Dr. Alejandra B. Lagumbay, Chief of Education Support Services Division, DR. Gertrudes Mabutin, Chief of Curriculum and Learning Management Division, and Eden A. Dadap, Project Development Officer and Focal Person for Partnership and Linkage, visited Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple in Manila and Guang Ming College (GMC) in Tagaytay.

photo/FGS Mabuhay Temple

The DepEd Region VIII has been very supportive of the Three Acts of Goodness (TAG) project since 2016, and is one of the strong TAG promotion partners. The outcomes of implementing TAG in schools were remarkable, according to the four visiting educators, it has significantly transformed the values, attitude and behavior of the TAG school students in Eastern Visayas.

photo/FGS Mabuhay Temple

In Mabuhay Temple, Abbess Ven. Miao Jing and Ven. Zhiqin warmly welcomed their visit, praising the efforts and commitment of the Regional Director and her leadership team. The team visited the main shrine, lighting the candles and paying respect to the Buddha, and marveled at the TAG winning paintings by young artists (aged 5-15) in Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery, hoping their students can participate in the next drawing competition. Four educators gained further understanding of FGS and Venerable Master Hsing Yun in their previewing of the exhibition on the life of Venerable Master.

photo/FGS Mabuhay Temple

photo/FGS Mabuhay Temple

Accompanied by Dr. Xiao Sobel, Dr Fetalvero and her team visited Guang Ming College Tagaytay Campus. Katherine Sabate, Director of GMC Academic Affairs, and Lhizanie Boraga, GMC Strategic Communications staff, introduced the GMC academic programs and various activities. The DepEd team toured the various departments and met the student scholars from Leyte. They were impressed with the GMC supporting students through scholarships and promised they will recruit more high school students for GMC.

photo/FGS Mabuhay Temple

At the conclusion of the visit, all four educators were excited for the continuing expansion of the TAG schools in the region. Dr. Fetalvero commented that the TAG project fits the DepEd mission and is life changing for the Filipino youth from poor family. As Ms. Dadap put it, “the TAG not only fosters a culture of kindness and compassion but also contributes to their holistic development, creating a more harmonious and morally upright educational environment.” They are looking forward to continuing their cooperation with FGS Philippines and their support in implementing the TAG schools throughout the region.

photo/FGS Mabuhay Temple

photo/FGS Mabuhay Temple