Bantayan National High School Transforms into Relief Center — Teachers and Students Join Hands to Aid Earthquake Victims

Fo Guang Shan Cebu Chu Un Temple

Following the Cebu earthquake, Three Acts of Goodness campus promoter Mrs. Manilyn Rubi immediately reported the situation. Under the compassionate guidance of Venerable Yong Guang, the Fo Guang Shan Philippines Education Foundation released emergency funds to purchase relief supplies.

Led by Principal Mr. Melville Dela Peña, Bantayan National High School mobilized teachers and Boy Scouts to turn the school into a relief packing and distribution center. Teachers quickly bought food and tarpaulins, returning to campus to pack and prepare donations—living out the spirit of the Three Acts of Goodness: to do good deeds, speak good words, and think good thoughts.

According to Mrs. Manilyn, as of October 2, aftershocks continue to shake the region. Some areas suffered severe damage, including the Sta. Rita de Lima Church, which unfortunately collapsed, leaving residents in dire need of temporary shelter and basic supplies.

Bantayan National High School shared the following message:

“We, the Bantayan National High School community, headed by our active principal Mr. Melville Dela Peña, are honored to serve as a vessel for spreading kindness and generosity to our fellow citizens deeply affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Fo Guang Shan Foundation, Inc. from Taiwan for entrusting us with a generous donation through Bantayan National High School’s Three Acts of Goodness Program, allowing us to serve as a channel of your compassion.

Xie Xie Shi Fu Yong Guang and to all the venerables in the Philippines for supporting us!

Your immense generosity has brought much-needed relief to many earthquake victims in their time of suffering. Through this partnership, we continue to live out the values of doing good deeds, speaking kind words, and nurturing good thoughts—values that not only aid recovery but also inspire lasting change in the hearts of our students and community.

Our next wave of relief distribution will take place this week.” ????????

The school and temple continue to welcome monetary and in-kind donations. Every small act of kindness—whether a few pesos, canned goods, or bottled water—helps bring hope and comfort to those affected by the disaster.