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THE ROAD TO NATCON 2020

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JCI Sen. RJ Paguyo 2020 National Director

On the 11th of December 2020, JCI celebrated its 72nd JCI Philippines National Convention. This annual event celebrates our local and national organization members, projects and achievements.

However, what made this National Convention memorable were the circumstances that made the first ever “Hybrid” (online and physical event) event happen (or did not happen) and how the team behind it made it a success.

The year 2020 was not very kind as back-to-back local and global disasters made it the worst year in recent memory. The global pandemic brought about by the coronavirus or COVID-19 came down hard on the Philippines, overwhelming the healthcare industry and pulling the breaks on the economy.

In order to halt the spread of the virus, the national government imposed strict quarantine measures that limited the movement of people. With people stuck at home, technology provided new ways of “getting together” and going to work. Online gatherings and meetings became the norm during most of the year under quarantine.

And this is where the story of our National Convention begins.

Against All Odds

The road to NatCon 2020 was an uphill battle because the team had to face the stark reality of the pandemic. Due to the ongoing quarantine in Metro Manila, the physical event was held at Takara Hotel in San Pedro, Laguna. All protocols were implemented thus social distancing, sanitation and testing were observed. The limited venue capacity (due to social distancing) and travel restrictions meant that not all JCI members could attend the event in person. Thus, the team found their answer “online.”

Through the use of Big Marker, an online platform for webinars and conferences, the team was able to broadcast the NatCon live nationwide. This made it the first JCI National Convention to successfully be streamed online.

The FIRST hybrid National Convention had a total attendance of 899 registrants of which 130 are physical attendees and 769 online viewers!

Just like the national conventions that precede it, the three-day event was full of activities such as trainings, general assemblies, ceremonies and fellowships. Registrants were given passes to all the events that the NatCon had to offer.

To Mold

The NatCon training team, led by NTD Alfred Vargas, went all out in assembling one of the best training line ups of all time. The trainers include big names such as Mayor Vico Sotto, Kristi Celyn Banks, and Ding Dong Dantes.

The theme of the training team for 2020 was on learning to rise above the challenges brought about by the pandemic. Among these were “Be a Hero In these Changing Times” and “Pushing for Change in Times of Crisis.”

The guest trainers were complemented by a line-up of JCI’s most able trainers who taught courses designed to improve members’ activities in JCI.

To Motivate

What makes national conventions truly special are the many opportunities to get together with fellow JCI members from all around the Philippines. Despite the lockdown, the hybrid convention brought assemblies and fellowships to the many members across the country through their computer screens.

During the general assemblies, local organization representatives were able to vote, voice their opinions and share their best practices through Zoom. The same can be said for the ceremonies and fellowships as no member was left out because of the live stream.

Despite the pandemic, the JCI National Organization led by 2020 NP Mark David and National Convention directors ND RJ Paguyo and ND Marianne Sigue, made sure not to leave anyone behind. By using technology, the team was able to bring everyone together to celebrate the national and local organizations’ members, projects and achievements.

Dedication

The national convention committee dedicates this event to all Batch Hiraya presidents and JCI members who supported this special NatCon. The team worked hard for three months to prepare an event worthy of the national conventions before it.

The great success of JCI Philippines’ 72nd National Convention could not have happened without the efforts of the 2020 NatCon Committee:

National Convention Chairperson: NP Mark Joseph David (JCI Parañaque Pambato) National Convention Vice-Chairperson: NSG Jay Baquing (JCI Magalang Mekeni) National Convention Director: ND RJ Paguyo (JCI Alabang) National Convention Secretary: ND Marianne Sigue (JCI Binan)

Online Registration: Hotel & Reservations: Communications: Sponsorships:

Online Platform:

ND Kristal Liza Besario (JCI Surigao Wensie) NC Lawrence Tan (JCI Makati) NC Scott Valencia (JCI Imus Haligue) COS Glenn Jude Rufino (JCI Quezon City Capitol) & ND Rikki Mathay (JCI San Juan Pinaglabanan) Mem. Jarvin Villaflor (JCI Alabang)

National Debate:

Public Speaking:

Technical & Systems: Special Events: National Awards:

Chairman Carlo Mendoza (JCI Manila) Chairman Clarence Santos (JCI Manila) NC Mandy Lana (JCI Legazpi)

NED Constantine Ignacio (JCI Marikina Sapatos) ND Charinna Yu (JCI Cavite City Magiting) NAC Mariel David (JCI Paranaque Asinderas)

Trainings:

JCI Philippines HQ Secretariat

NTD Alfred Vargas (JCI Quezon City Capitol) ATD Jason Gavina (JCI Olongapo) ATD Jester Manarang (JCI Malolos) ATD Jason Principe (JCI Quezon City Capitol) ATD Mabelle Castro (JCI Puerto Prinsesa Peacock) ATD James Carlo Miole (JCI Cebu Inc.) ATD Deo Anthony Alcudia (JCI Kagayhaan Gold) HT Mennen Aracid (JCI Kagayhaan Gold) JCI Sen. Gleendo Dasmariñas (JCI Iloilo)

And most importantly, Batch Hiraya and all the members that supported this event.

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