11 minute read
HIRAYA, LAREINA
Written by:
JCI Mem. La Reina Madre 2020 President JCI Silang Cattleya
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They say that true leadership is best seen in the midst of a pressing crisis. I know everyone who will get to read this will agree. But still, I want to express how this pandemic made and unmade us, how much of a struggle these times had been, and how both good and bad truths were exposed to us. JCI plays a big part of my life and this pandemic really challenged my presidency. Not to mention, that I was pregnant in the first months of my year. Being unable to gather physically did not stop us from communicating emotionally. To be there for each other in the darkest of times and to be one in bringing light, hope and positive change through different platforms in our own respective ways.
I believe as a leader of an all-woman chapter, I needed to make sure that before we start helping others, we get to help ourselves first. I got to hear how they were doing and felt what they were going through. Securing their welfare and being able to listen and understand them is where I think my leadership role ends and my hat as a friend and “ate” is worn. After all the massive internal support system that we have established, as well as planning and creating solutions to the problem in the best possible way we can, makes it more challenging. Our batch called “Hiraya Presidents” turned to “Pandemic Presidents”, have made their resilience known in achieving our JCI Mission. Successful achievements through “fruits of hope and aspiration”—an ENGAGED CATTLEYA, built to be bearers of all things bright and beautiful, and game changers to lead others too. After all the things that we have been through as the Queens of the South, I can proudly and strongly say that this year may have been real tough, but together we are tougher than ever!
Thank You Lord, the Giver of strength, wisdom and hope Himself.
La Reina Madre (The Queen Mother) 35th President of JCI Silang Cattleya – Cavite South – Area 3
Now, signing off.
TOGETHER, WE CAN ACE IT
Written by:
JCI Surigao Nickel
Ducunt volentem fata, nolentem trahunt – “The fates lead the willing and drag the unwilling – words that have great meaning as the sun sets on Hiraya – the fruits of our dreams, hopes, and aspirations – a batch that will forever be etched in modern JCI Philippines history. We owe them all the adulations they very much deserve for all the feats they have achieved against all odds.
One in particular is the story of JCI Surigao Nickel and its LO President and the challenges he had to face in the ever changing and unpredictable landscape in the prevailing circumstances brought about the pandemic. Pres. Ace was stranded in Metro Manila. He was away from his family and friends, but did this challenge stop him from his mission, duties, and responsibilities? A no would not be enough, as he excelled and exceeded everyone’s expectations. Like the fluidity of the situation, he adapted and made use of the situation to his and the local organization’s advantage. Despite the distance and the challenges in front of him, Pres. Ace was unfazed.
We all thought it was just a normal year and we will do things normally as we have done in the past. Yet the fates had other plans. Here is a man who has taken to heart our values, mission, and vision. He led his chapter despite the distance, and never treated it as a stumbling block. Fate led this willing man to success and greater heights in his presidency and for his chapter. JCI exists a mari usque ad mare – from sea to sea. And so, no distance will be an impediment in our collaboration, motivation, and connection. By coming together, we were able to create a greater impact. Together we are all vir triumphalis – man of victory. Together we ACED it.
A JCI EDUCATION: ONE YEAR TO LEAD, ONE YEAR TO LEARN
Written by:
JCI Mem. Mico Espina 2020 President, JCI Taytay
Heavy is the head that wears the crown.
Ours was not a forgiving year. Earthquakes, fires, floods, typhoons, volcano eruptions, and a global pandemic. And as if a JCI presidency wasn’t challenging enough, I was already juggling work with my master’s studies.
If it’s true what they say about JCI, that we are here to train youth leaders, then a presidency is its ultimate education. And maybe the most important lesson I’ve learned from this demanding year is to not forget your Why.
I joined JCI because I believe that a group of young, active citizens can change the world. As a new member, I had a casual relationship with JCI activities. But when I was elected president, that relationship turned into a marriage. Eventually, I got caught up in administrative duties, politics, protocol, and a rush for JCIPEA points. I admit, it became a little toxic. It took time and help from my batchmates and past presidents. I have learned to always ask myself the big questions. Why am I doing this? Is this for my community and organization or for myself? I have learned sacrifice, compromise and purpose. I have learned things a college degree could never impart. I have learned to be a leader.
I’m still not perfect but I am better. And that’s all any of us in JCI want: to Be Better.
It is because of this “education” I will be leaving my presidency wiser, a full heart, and with a proud legacy of membership growth, a year full of projects and partnerships, our first Platinum Seal of Efficiency, an Impact Award, seats in the Area and National Boards, the friendships made, and the community service given.
Thank you, JCI, our honored organization, for this opportunity to learn.
Indeed, heavy is the head that wears the crown. But stronger am I for it.
OF STRENGTH AND VULNERABILITY: MY MERMAID STORY
Written by: JCI Mem. Marianne Catherine Tapales 2020 President, JCI Yllana
One quality that is usually attached to mermaids is their duality—how they can embody two different things at once.
Like the ocean they call home, mermaids can be both calm and turbulent. Like their appearance, they can relate to the human experience and also feel deeply connected to nature.
One of my closest friends would say that I am a mermaid in that regard, as someone who is in touch with my duality. That while I exude strength and confidence on the outside, I am someone who houses vulnerabilities and insecurities. That while I take command of my ideas and endeavors, I am someone who’s mostly winging it like the rest of us.
Looking back to the year this has been, despite appearances, the pandemic has provided opportunities to prove our resilient and adaptive capacities. That while the pandemic created barriers, it also created opportunities to bridge distances.
By owning our duality and understanding our strength and vulnerability, we allow ourselves to become empathetic and personal leaders. As we continue to motivate our members through meaningful projects that align with their passions, they have a safe space to share and elevate ideas, and create connections and bonds that feel like family. The guiding theme of JCI Yllana for the year has been “It starts with us”, a commitment to embody the ideals set forth by our global organization, Junior Chamber International – a global network of young active citizens.
When the pandemic happened and crushed all our carefully laid plans, our strategy was to stay afloat.
With that, JCI Yllana maximized the power of social media in bringing timely and relevant information that would continue our efforts in empowering each other into being active citizens. When immersive community work became too risky, we repurposed our efforts in the learning and development of our members as leaders and mentors.
While soldiering through the limitations of a pandemic, we anchored on effective communication, innovation and adaptability, mentorship, and forward thinking.
“It starts with us” started as our theme, and as we responded to the needs of our community in this time of crises – it has evolved into our promise.
CULIAT 2020:
FORWARD WITH EASE
Written by:
JCI ANGELES CITY CULIAT
11 new and proud members. 48 projects implemented. 8 UNO Awards. 4 Merits. 2 Special Awards. PEA Platinum Efficiency. 100% Efficiency for Motivate. 1 flagship sustainable food security program. A whole chapter working with and for other chapters, and the people at the height of pandemic and all calamities. These and more have defined JCI Angeles City Culiat’s 2020 term.
This year’s term is in no way how Pres. Don Quito imagined and envisioned it to be. His battle cry was clear. It is to serve the chapter and its community holistically with ease and providing ease. Thus leading to the theme, “EASE 2020” or more particularly resounding to areas of Education, Arts, Society, and Environment. However, halfway through the term, COVID-19 changed the world.
Holding on to the promise of #EASE2020 has not been easy. Projects were put on hold, and mobility and socialization have been the most difficult. The struggle for members to remain in business and work—or simply to be safe and survive—has been the foremost concern. But Culiat’s spirit remained alive. The LO quickly adapted and modified its planned projects for the benefit of the vulnerable sectors greatly affected by the pandemic.
Culiat launched, “BINHI: Mananam, Mamupul, Mangan”, a long-term community project that addresses food security and food for all by adopting and enriching communities to be sustainable on their own. The chapter also initiated, “Opportunity to Build Responsible Angelenos (OBRA) University”, a 4-day Webinar Series designed to guide employees and employers to connect and minimize the effect of COVID-19 in their respective businesses.
The landscape has changed and is most certainly uncertain now. But the purpose of being a Jaycee and the Culiat spirit remains the same, if not stronger than ever.
This term is nothing anyone has ever imagined it to be but Culiat is proud. The chapter couldn’t have a better leader to push it forward and better members to keep it moving.
THE PASSION OF A LEADER, THE SERVICE OF A TRUE WORKER
Written by:
JCI Tacloban Love Inc.
Giving is a gift beyond measure, a true test of character and a simple manifestation of hope. We are in this time of endless chaos and predicament, but we also live in a time of endless giving. This is what our dear president, Rex B. Palompon, truly exemplifies—the power of giving.
He gives his time, treasure and talent to be part of something bigger than his own advocacy. He gives himself in the service of others, putting smiles on others’ faces, and giving joy in whatever little way he can. As candid and funny as he can be, our president knows how to serve with joy and how to give with love. In the past months into this pandemic, numerous activities were initiated by our servant leader. Shedding more light in the darkest of places and giving as much as JCI Tacloban Love Inc. can. These illuminating activities involved environmental advocacies such as the Tacloban Clean Up Drive and Think Green Tree Planting. It also included humanitarian advocacies of Pandemic Response dubbed as “JCI Tacloban: Love in the time of COVID-19”, Christmas treats for kids and street dwellers, gift giving to various drivers, and bloodletting. Education being the means of every endeavor served as a top priority as JCI Tacloban Love Inc. also participated in the Brigada Eskwela donating bond papers, printers, computer ink, bags, and school supplies to partner communities.
As we sally forth into this battle against COVID-19, the most relevant initiative included the donations of face shields, face masks, food and dietary supplements, vitamins, alcohol, surgical gloves, food packs, PPE suits and other protective equipment, and relief packs for porters, pedicab drivers, barkers, garbage collectors, and non-regular employees of LTFRB. The president also spearheaded a donation drive for the Tacloban City Jail called, “Beyond Prison Wall” in partnership with STCDCFI, a private basic education institution. Moreover, Oplan Kaagapay highlights the disaster response of JCI keeping up with the signs of the times in reverberating hope among those afflicted by the back-to-back Typhoons Rolly, Siony, and Ulysses.
All these are successful events that have become a symbol of hope and an emblem of generosity. All donors, all participants, all workers and servant leaders made it a point to gather all human and material resources to bring about the true essence of giving and helping in the community. Efforts have been poured and unity has been achieved through the vision of our Pres. Rex. He has shown how passionate leadership can pave the way of true service for others—to be a man for all men, a man for others by the grace of God. We continue this fight for peace, justice and hope knowing that people like PRex are leading the way to have a better society. Driven with a heart of a true visionary, a resourceful worker and a servant leader.
