The 7-decade premiere leadership and development organization celebrates both legacy and new projects.
JCI was founded at the turn of the 20th century and has a consultative status with major organizations such as the United Nations Economic and Social Council and UNESCO, granting members the opportunity to not just participate in community service but take leadership roles.
The chamber has chapters in 5000 communities across 100 countries. While each local chapter focuses on context-specific problems, they are aware of their global impact in an interconnected world, and the same goes for initiatives in JCI Manila.
In the Philippines, JCI Manila took root in 1947 when Filipino reservist and realtor Artemio Vergel de Dios read about the United States Junior Chamber’s activities. Amidst the postwar rebuilding, Vergel de Dios was surprised that the U.S., relatively untouched by the war, still had civic initiatives and thought that the Philippines more so needed it.
Vergel de Dios then reached out to the US JCI chapter and thus began the modern era of active citizenship in the Philippines. JCI members (also called “Jaycees”) mostly compromise the youth sector, with an average age range of 18-40 years old, as such being an avenue for youth leadership and social mobility.
In 2023, helmed by President Eric Ke and visionary board members such as brother Eds Ke, JCI continues to lead timely, relevant initiatives such as sign language education and livelihood projects for persons-deprived-of-liberty while also directing the legacy projects of the organization that meet timeless needs all while fostering national development, such as the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Awards.
Given the typhoons that battered the country as the climate situation becomes more complex, the chamber also organized not just immediate relief efforts but mid- and long-term rehabilitation projects in affected areas, such as reconstruction projects with local education and livelihoods in mind.
With regards to business and entrepreneurial development, a major thrust given JCI’s vision that a robust economy contributes to the common good, JCI Manila in 2023 also held industry conferences highlighting the latest developments in integrating emerging technology in retail, entrepreneurial masterclasses, and partnerships with JCI chapters outside the country.
Sustainability is often conflated with ecological responsibility, and cognizant of this, the chamber’s leaders also initiated projects that show how thriving businesses (sustainability) can both minimize their ecological impact and also contribute positively (ecological responsibility) via practices like upcycling.
Cooperating with the government, JCI also initiated projects supporting public vehicle driver and operator organizations as they modernize their fleets, and education campaigns on responsible pet ownership and birth control and living heritage conversation for indigenous people given their timeless knowledge.
Amidst all this bustle, JCI was also able to hold leisure and sports activities like golf and Mobile Legends tournaments, a football league, skateboarding day, and a comedy night which did not only help participants relax and unwind, but also further hone life skills all in an environment of camaraderie and conviviality.
JCI presidents serve for only one year; while the tradition and culture continue through the years, the changing leadership grants each year with an individualized approach and personal fervor. The lead of the Ke brothers, with President Eric Ke, and board member Eds Ke, mounted notable initiatives and have of best, given a deeper meaning to brotherhood.
In lieu of all efforts made to better our country, the chamber continues to welcome new members, and interested applicants may inquire and submit letters of intent via official channels.
JCI Manila is located in Grey St., Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila. They can be reached at clubhouse@jcimanila.org or (632) 525-6792. For updates, follow them on their official Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube accounts.
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