JCI WEEK 2021: The 1st Week-long, All-Virtual Celebration

JCI WEEK 2021: The 1st Week-long, All-Virtual Celebration

BY: JOVEN BERNADOS 2021 JCI WEEK NATIONAL CHAIRPERSON

For the past 43 years the Junior Chamber International Philippines celebrates JCI Week to affirm the JCI Values that bind and to celebrate the friendship that brings together more than two hundred local affiliates all over the country. A weeklong program which includes; projects, trainings and meetings are conducted by JCI local organizations geared to showcase the work that JCI does, including its flagships and national programs.

As an organization who believes that actions are much more meaningful than words and that hugs and shaking hands could express brotherhood more than any gestures. This PANDEMIC made it hard for us to change our usual norms into things we are all not so familiar with. Turning face to face trainings and physical projects into an all virtual/online celebration was really tough, we encountered challenges from the day we started planning until the JCI WEEK LONG ONLINE EXECUTION itself.

This year our theme was, “JCI Philippines, Rising up by lifting up others” because we knew it in ourselves that we can never make all these things possible without the help of each and every single JCI members worldwide. Our determination to create positive change and our openness to INNOVATIONS had brought us this success and I really owe this to the whole JCI Philippines and to the hardworking 2021 JCI Week Team.

As this year’s National Chairperson it is always my dream and it makes me happy to help others. And it was very timely that I got this opportunity in the midst of the pandemic because I always believe that those who are the happiest are those who do the most for others! I can now finally say, WE DID IT & MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Mialin Rose Ferrer - Area 1 JCI Week Chairperson

JCI Week has been one of the most anticipated celebrations in JCI Philippines as all local chapters gather and unite to celebrate our values, mission and vision.

As the Area 1 Chairperson for JCI Week, this year’s celebration has been a challenge yet meaningful. We might not able to celebrate it physically but, as Jaycees, that didn’t hinder us. We became more festive and united as one JCI Area 1. We became more to ourselves and to others regardless of the circumstances. Truly, JCI Week brought us to really realize that Jaycees always live by their virtues.

Analyn Banzuela - Area 2 JCI Week Chairperson

I would say this 2021’s JCI week celebration is something that I really would not forget. I am extremely grateful for being part of this celebration and I really enjoyed all the activities throughout the seven busy days.

Initially, as Chairperson of Area 2, I did not have any idea what to do, luckily I have very supportive Area Vice President and Regional Vice Presidents. I really have a very approachable National Chair. And very participative Local Organizations which in its own local areas managed to conduct different activities during the week whilst supporting the Region, Area, and National activities. Special mention to JCI Makati which accepted the challenge the Area’s Baby Shark Tank. The Area Directors for art and media worked hard and we had very reliable point persons for each activities. These key persons made the work really fun and easy. We got in touched with RVPs as well of different areas who were equally supportive of our Baby Shark Tank Competition and ML tournament.

This year’s theme “JCI Philippines, Rising Up By Lifting Up Others” was very timely considering the present pandemic. I believe that all the activities successfully lifted others not just by my making the members learn from webinars but also enjoy with the games and prizes. With this year’s successful JCI week celebration, I look forward to the activities we well be having next week because I am certain whatever activities we may come up with for promoting JCI, with or without the restrictions in physically conducting them, young active citizens would be surely encouraged to join our JCI family. Love live JCI Philippines!

Diospyros "Peps" Fuentes - Area 4 JCI Week Chairperson

This year’s JCI week celebration is a testimony of a true Visayan spirit “Padayon” (keep going). Despite the challenges brought by this pandemic JCI Area 4 Visayas continues to celebrate our brotherhood and commemorates the values of JCI in unison through this JCI Philippines week celebration.

Gathering 31 chapters in three regions across islands in the Visayan seas JCI Area 4 proved that we can all do this together. As the Area 4 chairperson for JCI week, I took advantage of the use of media and internet access to collaborate with our local chapters and region to celebrate this year’s JCI week celebration. Virtual meetings and online streaming become the new alternative platforms to gather and celebrate JCI week 2021.

Unity in diversity, sharing talents and abilities in editing, broadcasting, and in Tiktok is a manifestation that JCI is endowed, gifted, and resourceful young leaders. Limitless and borderless, no distance can hinder network and partner local chapters and regions in the Visayas to celebrate JCI week virtually.

This year’s celebration showcased the best collaboration practices among chapters both local and international. I am grateful to witness and listen to the insightful sharing of their collaboration program with other private, government, and non-government organizations, as well as JCI chapters across the globe. Truly, it is a genuine epitome of our values as JCI.

Our talent showcase in Area 4 also depicts the culture, talents, and creativity of our local chapters. Our Tiktok dance challenge not only highlights the art of dancing but also promoted JCI as a community service organization that celebrates the individual’s unique gifts.

This year’s JCI week might be celebrated in hybrid mode yet we were able to celebrate our brotherhood through media and the web. I am grateful to be part of this milestone of JCI Philippines as it continues to celebrate our organization’s triumphs and accomplishments. Padayon JCI!