UNLEASHING THE HERO IN OTHERS

Written by: JCI Mem. Iza Antonio 2020 President, JCI Alabang

“HARD TIMES DON’T CREATE HEROES. IT IS DURING THE HARD TIMES WHEN THE “HERO” WITHIN US IS REVEALED” – BOB RILEY

Last September 2019, I was elected as the 16th president of JCI Alabang. Though I have never been a president of any group my entire life, I was truly excited to lead a chapter that I have considered my second family for the past 7 years.

During the GMM, I told them that I wanted the theme, “Unleash the Hero Within” this year, since I was a believer that all volunteers have heroic capabilities inside of them. I wanted JCI Alabang to be the vehicle where members would reach their full potential and be the heroes the world needs. But as the saying goes, “Be careful what you wish for”, as I did not intend that my term would be called to the challenge. 2020 was a chaotic year full of calamities, but such events that caused dismay and anxiety to many, lead to the emergence of heroism in others. Today’s unsung heroes are not the ones we see on TV and in comic books. They are ordinary people who do extraordinary things. People who go out of their way to help others and risk their lives for the benefit of many. This is what JCI Alabang strived to be this year. Despite all the challenges, the chapter was still able to do 137 projects benefitting more than 65,000 beneficiaries this year. The most notable programs of JCI Alabang were Talktodok Online Medical Mission, Oh My Gulay Nutrition Program, The Heroes of Tomorrow Youth Development Program, Oplan Kaagapay laban sa COVID, Project ReCREWtment, Pangarap at Pisara, Books and Roses, and the Online A-Circles Business Forum Series. Most of these were done during the COVID season. Proof that even if we are in the worst of times, you can still become the best for others.

I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the hardworking and dedicated 2020 Board of Directors and the members of JCI Alabang. In a world where everyone needed to be saved, you went out of your way to save others. Thank you for being the Heroes you were ought to be! It was an honor to have served with you this year.