GMC Welcomes Venerable Hui Chuan
News Bulletin No. 25
By: Ghealyn Rose Undang | Contributor: Asst. Prof. Maru B. Percela
Tagaytay City, Philippines — Guang Ming College (GMC) welcomed a special visitor to its Tagaytay campus on June 24, 2026. The College had the honor of receiving Venerable Hui Chuan, Executive Vice Abbot and Director of the Department of Monastic Affairs of Fo Guang Shan, during his visit to the Philippines.
Before arriving at GMC, Venerable Hui Chuan visited Lumbini Institute, a GMC Integrated Primary and Secondary School, where he met with their students. He later proceeded to the Tagaytay campus, where faculty members, staff, and students warmly welcomed him.
To mark the occasion, the College prepared a simple yet meaningful reception that reflected its spirit of hospitality and gratitude. Student representatives performed the College’s traditional welcome dance, followed by a Light Offering Ceremony at the Meditation Hall. Faculty, staff, and students gathered to formally welcome Venerable Hui Chuan and express their appreciation for the continued guidance and support of Fo Guang Shan, the institution’s founding organization.
One of the most memorable parts of the visit was Venerable Hui Chuan’s meeting with students from the Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Sciences (BSESS) Program. During the gathering, incoming third-year student and scholar Adam Floyd Darden shared a heartfelt message of gratitude on behalf of his fellow scholars whose education has been made possible through the vision of Venerable Master Hsing Yun.
“Thank you to Venerable Master Hsing Yun for giving us this opportunity not only to become better athletes, but also to become better human beings.”
His words captured what many students feel about the scholarship program. Beyond helping them pursue their education and athletic goals, it has also encouraged them to develop discipline, compassion, and a stronger sense of purpose.
For many students, the visit was a rare opportunity to meet in person one of the senior monastic leaders at Fo Guang Shan Headquarters. They shared their appreciation for the opportunities they have received and reflected on how these experiences continue to shape their academic journey, personal growth, and commitment to serving others.
The visit also included a campus tour, during which Venerable Hui Chuan was introduced to the College’s facilities and recent developments. During the fellowship gathering, Asst. Prof. Katherine Mae G. Sabate, MA, Director for Academic Affairs, presented updates on GMC’s academic programs, institutional accomplishments, and ongoing initiatives.
The visit served as a meaningful reminder of the close relationship between Guang Ming College and Fo Guang Shan. More than a ceremonial occasion, it reflected the shared values that continue to guide the institution and the collective efforts of its faculty, staff, and students in building a community rooted in Humanistic Buddhist education, gratitude, and service.