THE Junior Chamber International (JCI) Philippines launched its national program for students in Visayas at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex last May 28, 2019.
The Jaycees’ program, “Bags To School,” gave bags full of school supplies to 500 pupils from 13 day care centers in Mandaue City.
Mandaue Jaycees (JCI Mandaue) led the event together with six co-hosting chapters—JCI WoMandaue, JCI Boholana Kisses, JCI Aklan Kalantiao, JCI Cebu Mactan Channel, JCI Cebu Sinulog and JCI Metro Cebu Uptown.
When asked why the Jaycees chose Mandaue City as the venue for the program’s Visayas area launch, Sam Uy said “Bags To School” is aligned with JCI Mandaue’s advocacy for taking care of day care centers and pupils.
Uy, who is the JCI Mandaue’s vice president for community and the project chairman, said he felt glad after seeing the students beaming with smiles.
Mandaue City Vice Mayor Carlo Fortuna, accompanied by officials from the City Social Welfare Services headed by Jessie Perez and Elizabeth Bolima, graced the event.
The other attendees were board members of JCI Philippines—national executive vice president Disston Tan and regional vice president Camille Maluenda, who also represented area vice president Philip Jude Acidre. Area vice president Lyn Manansala, JCI chapter presidents and members, and representatives from event sponsors and partners also showed up.
Aside from receiving bags, the kids also enjoyed an indoor playground, which was procured from Kpup Sugbo for the event. They were later treated to local ice cream and donuts donated by Dunkin Donuts.
According to Uy, he doubted his ability on raising funds for the event, but his faith helped him pushed through with it.
“I believe that when we do something good for others, God always sends the people we need at the perfect time,” he said.
The “Bags To School” program aims to promote primary education nationwide in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which include providing solutions to achieve quality education.
JCI Mandaue’s flagship project is constructing day care centers in Mandaue City.
In December 2018, the chapter opened its first day care center in Barangay Guizo. The Mandaue Jaycees have been holding projects for the benefit of the children and their parents in the village since the center’s completion. They are now in the process of building their second day care center.
Uy said JCI Mandaue would like to thank the Mandaue City Government, its co-host chapters, platinum sponsors Vero Fine Jewelry and Jun Escario, and gold sponsors Kid’s World and Ford Tractor Philippines.
He also felt grateful to silver sponsors Dunkin Donuts, Amara, GT, Elizah Travel and Tours, Misc and The Food Pantry. The event’s bronze sponsors were Sunburst, Al-Barakah, God’s Grace Farm, Cebu Home and Builders, Frances Siao, Jaye Borromeo and Erika Joan Ong.
For more information on JCI Mandaue, one can visit its website: www.jcimandaue.org.