Working Hard and Helping Harder for the new JCI Alabang

A group of young people in Alabang are resuscitating one of the oldest and biggest youth service organizations in their area – the JCI Alabang Chapter.

The rebirth of JCI Alabang officially started in January  11, 2014 with the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between JCI Alabang and JCI Manila, the extending chapter. After going through the necessary process, JCI Alabang was officially approved by the JCI Philippines National Board on April 5, 2014.

As new agents of positive change, the forty one (41) members of JCI Alabang are raring to go in it for the long run. Even if has started only five months ago, the JCI Alabang is already partnering with social welfare institutions like “Haven for Children,” the national center for male street children aged 7-13 years old recovering from substance abuse. The boys in the Haven for Children come from different places in the Philippines. JCI Alabang has also made courtesy calls to Fr. Rocky Evangelista of Tuloy sa Don Bosco and Sr. Eva Maamo of Our Lady of Peace Foundation, founder of the Philippines’ Barefoot Doctors. The organization has already had four General Membership Meetings. With forty one new members in just five months, JCI Alabang has engaged a substantial amount of individuals and stakeholders in its 1st 100 days– and to think it’s just starting.

Vicky Martinez, the President of the new JCI Alabang Chapter shares, “There were many reasons why I wanted to revive JCI Alabang. First, more than 50% of the Philippines’ population are 25 years old and below and there are more than 27,000 residents in Barangay Ayala Alabang.  For the past year, the country was hit with tragedies like the Bohol earthquake, Yolanda and the Pork Barrel Scam. On the business side, Filinvest City is just around the corner and several establishments in Alabang have started picking up. With such statistics, natural disasters, and opportunities for economic growth, I felt it was high time that we, the youth of Alabang, to step up and to have a vehicle where we can contribute in nation building, hone our business and leadership skills and build a strong network which can shape local and national changes for the good of the community and country. I believe JCI Alabang can be that vehicle.”

There are high expectations from JCI Alabang, being the 2nd Best New Chapter in the World for 2000.  President Martinez relates, “We’ll do our best to meet such expectations. JCI Alabang has an “ALABANG 2015” goal which is to have more than 150 active members, have partnerships with JCI Chapters in other countries; particularly ASEAN countries, create a strong business network, and be able to implement relevant and sustainable projects in Alabang and other communities who are in need. Given the talent, skills and heart of the new officers and members of JCI Alabang, there is no doubt that these are achievable.”

If these goals are achieved JCI Alabang will have made a mark in leading the youth towards helping improve the lives of the less privileged in our midst.