Philippines: "Three Acts of Goodness" Campus Tour Showcases the Power of Humanistic Education

Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple
July 29, 2025

From July 16 to 19, 2025, Venerable Miao Jing, abbess of Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple, and Venerable Chueh Lin, supervisor, led the Master Hsing Yun Documentary film crew deep into Sagay City in northern Negros Island for a three-day “Three Acts of Goodness” campus tour.

The team visited eight local schools, braving unpredictable weather. Remarkably, despite the rain along the journey, every time the team arrived at a campus, the skies cleared and sunlight broke through—an auspicious sign, as if heaven itself were blessing this mission of kindness.

One of the most touching visits was to a remote school perched atop a mountain. Accompanied by local education officials, the group trekked for three hours—climbing hills, crossing rivers, and even balancing over a narrow wooden bridge. As they reached the final steep ascent, they were met with a heartwarming sight: more than 80 students and parents had lined up to welcome them, waving colorful flags and joyfully singing the Three Acts of Goodness song with bright, sincere smiles.

Director Li Xia of the documentary asked the students how they learn and practice the Three Acts of Goodness. The children replied that Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan, taught them to “do good deeds, speak good words, and think good thoughts,” so the world may become more loving and peaceful. One student shared that they were reading Clouds and Water-A 50 year Anniversary Photobiography of Master Hsing Yun, learning about the “15 Ways to Change Your Life and the World” proposed by the Master. The school principal noted that the program has transformed their institution into a “zero-bullying campus,” demonstrating the true impact of Three Acts of Goodness education.

Venerable Miao Jing expressed that the children’s innocent words reflected how the seeds of goodness had quietly sprouted in these mountain schools—blossoming with hope.

This successful tour was made possible through the wholehearted support of Sagay City Schools Division Superintendent SDS Dannie Clark Miranda Uguil, Assistant Superintendent ASDS Mark Anthony Tan, Chief Ma. Theresa Bingcang, along with the cooperation of principals, TAG coordinators, and TWG members of each school.

Every act of goodness is the beginning of peace. The team also acknowledged many unsung heroes: Principal Freddie Digno, Andajade Vidal and the ADA team, Nurse Divine Fuentesfina, Director Ginboy Bataclit, SPA Coordinator Arnie Panes Bañes, and the warm-hearted TLE teachers Johnny Juanito Palonpon Replentes, Leny Barroa Donasco Dabing, May May Laygan Libre, as well as canteen manager Rea Prado.

Special thanks also go to Estelle Nica Marie Dunlao and PTCA President Mark Marquez for leading the parent association, and to all the teachers, students, TAG ambassadors, and performers whose passionate and sincere welcome filled the event with warmth and meaning.

Venerable Yung Guang, Head Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Philippines, expressed gratitude to Venerable Yilai, Director of the Fo Guang Shan Compassion Foundation, for gifting the book Clouds and Water-A 50 year Anniversary Photobiography of Master Hsing Yun, allowing students from the Three Acts Model Schools to better understand Master Hsing Yun’s wisdom and great vows through reading. This reading initiative serves as a bridge for kindness to continue. May the compassion and love rooted in Fo Guang Shan continue to flourish across the Philippines, passing on from generation to generation.