THE Junior Chamber International (JCI) Mandaue City Chapter celebrated its 56th year as a brotherhood with purpose with induction and turnover ceremonies at the Citi Park Hotel last Feb. 9.
Under the leadership of the newly elected president Rodrigo Limpot Jr., the Merry Men of JCI have adopted the theme of “Together We Prosper,” highlighting the importance of teamwork and shared responsibility for the development of the chapter and community.
The formal gathering brought together JCI members from all 10 of the JCI chapters in Central Visayas, including delegates from sister chapter JCI Samcheonpo of South Korea.
JCI members from Aklan and Iligan were also present to witness the turnover and induction of JCI Mandaue’s presidents and board of directors. Sister chapter agreements were also signed with the three Bohol chapters--JCI Boholana Kisses, JCI Bohol Limestone and JCI Chocolate Hills.
South Korean businessman Sung Ho “Andrew” Tae, JCI Mandaue’s 2018 president, gave his valedictory address, expressing how grateful he was to have served his time, which he described as “one year to lead.” He also talked about his contributions to the chapter’s growth.
Under his leadership, JCI Mandaue established an outreach agreement with the South Korean Kwangjeong Presbyterian Church in building at least eight day care centers within Mandaue City. JCI Mandaue also delivered its first day care center in Barangay Guizo last December.
On his part, Limpot highlighted his goal of “partnering with companies to have an independent money-making scheme for the sustainability of the chapter.”
Limpot also expressed his desire to build on the gains of the past years by strengthening internal procedures that would ensure members take the opportunity to lead and become better through planning, execution and evaluation of projects.
The new set of board of directors include Tae as the immediate past president; Nike Enriquez Cagulada, executive vice president (EVP)-internal; Eric Paolo Smith, EVP-external; Brandon Lavilla, secretary; Kim Ngo Vice president (VP)-business; Sam Uy, VP-community; Judee Kwan, VP-international; Edmar Dionson, VP-individual; and Archie Arizo, treasurer.
The other new officers are Paolo Saberon, the local training director; Daniel Ismael, VP-communications; Kristoffer Yurong, auditor and protocol officer; and Joseph Ortiz, press relations officer.
The program for the evening had Mandaue City Vice Mayor Atty. Carlo Fortuna, a past president of JCI Mandaue, as the inspirational speaker; iLearners founder and social media influencer Doyzkie Buenaviaje as keynote speaker; and JCI Philippines’ 2019 national executive vice president Disston Tan as guest of honor.
The evening ended with the revival singing and dancing of the Jaycees March spearheaded by JCI Mandaue’s past presidents.
JCI Mandaue, an all-male organization, was founded in 1964 by Ariston Cortes. It is one of the oldest JCI chapters in the Visayas. The chapter played host to the 38th Visayas Area Conference last September.
The chapter maintains strong cooperation with the City of Mandaue and its City Social Welfare Services department, with regular outreach activities with the city’s street children and establishment of additional day care centers for the city.