PRESIDENCY IN THE TIME OF PANDEMIC

PRESIDENCY

IN THE TIME OF A PANDEMIC

Written by: JCI Mem. Noriel Edozo 2020 President, JCI Batangas Balisong

JC I am writing this column days before I finish my one year to lead. I was actually asking myself, what have I done during my term? Imagine, you have a vision, things you would like your organization to accomplish but the Taal Volcano erupted and then COVID-19 happened. As a change maker, I believe that I had a good foresight in seeing what lies ahead. We did what we had to do – to fulfill our commitment in serving the people.

Despite the negativity, JCI Batangas Balisong still considers 2020 as an impactful year. I can proudly say that our organization has been a visible figure on and offline through our sustainable and impactful projects. The local organization also marked its 5th year which signaled rebirth, change and hope. As President, I made sure that the 10 point agenda of our organization is properly executed while strengthening our ties with local communities, local government units and other private organizations.

As an NGO, JCI Batangas Balisong is ready to move forward and engage more youth to participate and be part of this community. It is about time that we provide more development opportunities so that we can empower more people aiming to create positive changes in the society. The organization also vows to continue leading with honor. When you lead, you are ambitiously seeking to protect people in the long term. You have to cultivate these seeds and make sure that they will be harbingers of hope in the future. Your obligation doesn’t really end after your term, it is just the beginning.

But the thing that I am most proud of is that I was able to discover future leaders. I am happy that through my motivation, I was able to bring out their inner leadership skills and unleash their capacity of being somebody. JCI Batangas Balisong encourages personal growth by meeting community needs and providing opportunities to lead.

Nothing happens in a vacuum as human nature is composed of both the ego and openness. JCI Batangas Balisong will always be an avenue wherein we bring forward a change of mindset, where teamwork and sense of belongings is favored, and that service to humanity is the best work of life.

It has been an honor serving you, JCI Batangas Balisong, from 2745 miles away here in Australia. May we continue to mold and motivate as we bring forward the message that peace is still possible. Let’s rise together as One JCI Philippines.

I, AmBIDA

Written by:

JCI Mem. Claudette Ambida 2020 President, JCI Batangas Caballero

Ipictured a presidency with rainbows and butterflies. A term I waited for so long with many plans in my mind but challenges piled up continuously. I started a year with the big news of the Taal Volcano eruption followed by the COVID-19 pandemic which led us to be coined as Pandemic Presidents, as typhoons came here and there.

But I am a woman who believes that I should learn how to find the positives in every negative situation and perhaps keeping my circle intact is one positive thing which I can say led me to be more inspired in serving and leading. After all, this is why I am here. My term is not for myself, it’s for my members, and it’s for my community. Up to this day, as my term nears its end, I cannot believe I was able to pull off not just a year, but this year’s term. 2020 brought out the best and worst in people, and I am no exception. My ability to lead was tested through and through. There were countless barriers faced as we served our purpose. But with my Chapter’s efforts, we were able to come up with more or less 82 projects, by God’s grace.

When you lead a pack of strong willed and made individuals, there are no shortcuts. It is extremely challenging but more than that, their passion and perseverance will motivate and guide you to a direction that will serve the Organization’s Mission and Vision. My one year to lead will end but the memories that made me stronger will remain forever worth remembering. And the truth about JCI, every person is special. Every situation is different. But every year, is a chance to be a better citizen. Ending my term, I knew I had a good one.