Changing Lives: Junior Chamber International Phils.
Mahlie Gapasin, Levy Mae Besara, Jomari Moriente,
Jay Abad Santos and Lea Dable
JCI (Junior Chamber International) is a worldwide network of individuals in their 20s until 40s. They are active in more than 100 nations and territories and they work for the advancement of young people to become better leaders, social persons, entrepreneurs and more. This way, the JCI members have the capacity to lead others in their community.
Here are some testimonials from selected JCI officers as to the impact that the organization has made on their lives.
JOMARIE MORIENTE
Chapter President, JCI Iloilo
Jomari Moriente joined the JCI Iloilo in 2006 in order to develop his skills and confidence. He's presently with the real estate and insurance industries.
"The JCI is a university of leaders and entrepreneurs. It has satisfied all my four areas of opportunity --- individual, business, international and community. I learned a lot since I joined the organization," Moriente said.
JAY ABAD SANTOS
Chapter President, Metro Iloilo Dinagyang
Being in the JCI promotes friendships. This is one of the things that Jay Abad Santos has reaped. He's a native Luzon and presently the Regional Sales Manager of Consolidated Distillers. Through JCI, he has found friends here. "I also developed my skill in public speaking," he added.
MAHLIE GAPASIN
Immediate Past President, JCI Iloilo Ilang-Ilang
Mahlie Gapasin had been with the JCI for seven years. "I've been through a lot since I joined the organization. At first, I was shy. I was afraid that what I will say is wrong. Now, I'm a better person. You'll be surprised with the skills that will just come out from you," she said.
Gapasin, during her term, gave her all so that the JCI Iloilo Ilang-Ilang, an all-female chapter, will be recognized.
She added that JCI develops friendships outside of the city and country, too.
LEA DABLE
Executive Vice President, Metro Iloilo Dinagyang
Lea Dable joined JCI in 1997 and her membership had been an on and off thing. Being in the sales and marketing industry, JCI had helped a lot in developing her personality as well as boost her connections. "Almost all of us have work and businesses and it's very easy to deal with your fellow members," she said.
LEVY MAE BESARA
2008 Chapter President, JCI Iloilo Ilang-Ilang
Levy Mae Besara used to be in the shadows of her sister and fellow JCI Iloilo Ilang-Ilang member April Besara. When April was recruited, it was like a package deal for them. Levy Mae went along, too and become the member of the said chapter in 2000.
"I was only a student at that time. I didn't have much appreciation of what JCI is all about. It was in 2005 when I actively participated in the organization's activities. You can't maximize your membership in a group if you're not active," she said. She had been an active member for four years now. She's happy and contented.
"JCI had a big impact on my personality. I learned about public speaking. Before, I would just go with my sister and just keep quiet, being the introvert type. Now, I can do things on my own," she added.
JOINING JCI
Anyone who is 18 to 40 years old can join JCI. "There's no specific requirement. It's just your commitment," said Gapasin.
"This is a voluntary organization. Although you are very busy, you learn how to manage your time," said Moriente.
"Yes. Then, this is a leadership training organization. It is process-oriented. It's not like after giving a donation, you're done. Here, every program has its process and we get to learn from it," Gapasin said.
JCI Week 2008 is being celebrated this week. It started last April 13 and will last until April 19. The week is spearheaded by the JCI Iloilo, Metro Dinagyang and Ilang-Ilang chapters. The accomplishments of these chapters are on display at the exhibit at SM City Iloilo. The other activities for the week are seminars on leadership, bloodletting, medical mission, porma balas (sand sculpture), arnis demonstration, recruitment and fellowship night.
"This celebration is simultaneous with the JCI National Week, which runs for seven days," said Gapasin.
"In celebrating the week, we follow the seven JCI tenets. If you could see, our activities are geared towards fulfilling each tenet," said Gapasin.
The theme for this week's celebration is, "Believing the Essence of the 6 Tenets."
JCI promotes the following values: faith in God, brotherhood of man, individual freedom and dignity, government of laws, human personality and service to humanity.