Fo Guang Shan Philippines Awards Luzon Schools for Three Acts of Goodness Education

Fo Guang Shan Philippines
January 6, 2026

Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Philippines continues to strengthen values-based education through its flagship Three Acts of Goodness (TAG) Education program, implemented in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) since 2016. Under Cycle 10, themed “Radiating Goodness, Inspiring Harmony,” FGS responded to the growing enthusiasm of TAG focal persons and school principals by expanding its fundraising efforts to recognize 400 outstanding schools nationwide.

On January 2, 2026, Guang Ming Chan Monastery hosted the second batch of TAG Giving Grants, honoring 70 school awardees from Luzon, representing the Schools Divisions of Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Vigan, Mabalacat, Pampanga, and Navotas.

Among the TOP 10 Implementers of Cycle 9 (2024), there are three schools to be recognized and presented a trophy:

1. Dungan Elementary School's "Project Act of Random Kindness", Mabalacat;

2. San Isidro National High School's "Project SUPER ISIDRIANS", Pampanga; and

3. Badoc South Central School SpEd Center's "The MataTAG Project", Ilocos Norte.

The Luzon awarding ceremony gathered 85 participants and was graced by distinguished guests, including FGS Philippines Head Abbess Venerable Yung Guang, Superintendent Venerable Chueh Lin of Mabuhay Temple, Dr. Tolentino G. Aquino, Regional Director of DepEd Region I, Dr. Vilma D. Eda, Schools Division Superintendent of Vigan City, and Dr. Cecile Manikan, Director for Education and Training of the Humanistic Buddhism Center Philippines (HBCP). 

The keynote address was delivered by Venerable Dr. Jue Wei, Professor at Nan Tien Institute (NTI) and Director of Buddhist Studies and Humanistic Buddhism. She reflected on how advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, are reshaping communication, teaching, and learning. Emphasizing the relevance of TAG values, she noted that the practice of goodness fosters unity and shared responsibility, saying, “Together we suffer, together we awaken, together we serve.” She underscored that TAG nurtures harmony and contributes to a more compassionate humanity.

In her message, Venerable Yung Guang affirmed the commitment of education leaders who have integrated TAG into their schools, highlighting its role in character building and values formation. She expressed confidence that TAG education helps develop ethical, compassionate youth who will contribute positively to the nation. She also extended her gratitude to school principals who have encouraged scholars to enroll at Guang Ming College.

TAG National Coordinator Imelda Tabian and Top 10 TAG School Principal Rowan Celestra shared insights on the journey of a TAG practitioner, illustrating how an idea can evolve into a proposal and eventually into a meaningful school project. Mr. Celestra, an internationally recognized educator, shared, “I see compassion and giving in TAG. This is why I remain a humble student of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the founder of the Three Acts of Goodness.”

Adding a student perspective, Crishnan Replentes, a third-year Theater Arts major at Guang Ming College, shared how his exposure to TAG since Grade 7 has shaped him into a more helpful and generous individual.

Earlier, the first batch of 190 TAG school awardees from the Negros Island Region was recognized last November at Yuan Thong Temple in Bacolod City, witnessed by FGS Head Abbot, Most Venerable Hsin Bau. The remaining TAG awarding ceremonies for Visayas and Mindanao are scheduled on January 10 and January 18, respectively.