Vision 2020: The JCI Bataan Comprehensive History

JCI Bataan's mission is to empower young people to create positive change in their communities by providing them with development opportunities and fostering a sense of social responsibility. The chapter is one of the newest addition to the more than 300 chapters in the Philippines and is comprised of young active citizens and leaders from Bataan.

Pocholo De Leon Gonzales, the Founder of JCI Bataan, was the President of JCI Makati in 2018. He has been a member of JCI since 1998 from JCI Olongapo, to JCI Katipunan and he activated with JCI Makati when Past President Lear San Buenaventura invited him to join JCI Makati during their Youth Development Program in China. He had long envisioned founding the only JCI chapter in Bataan, as he had traveled from Batanes to Basilan and Sulu, and saw that there were JCI chapters in those places, yet none in his province, which is ironic as it is near Metro Manila.

He also met Former Congressman Felecito Payumo of Bataan, and told him that Makati Jaycees' project called Hakbang ng Bayan or commonly known as the Alay Lakad, was a brainchild of the Makati Jaycees. The project pioneered during his term as 1972 JCI Makati President, became a forerunner of many similar fund-raising activities and was adopted by the National Government. Due to its success, the Makati Jaycees was awarded the “Most Outstanding LOM of the Philippines” – Ramon Del Rosario Award, “Most Outstanding Public Relations Award of the Philippines” and “Most Outstanding Project in Extension”. This further reinforced Pocholo's belief in the potential of JCI to make a positive impact in his province.

Ricardo Catahan Mariveles Jaycees Founder

In the early 1950s, the Angeles Jaycees began to probe through Bataan the possibility of creating a Jaycee Chapter in the Peninsula. Their prospect in Balanga did not materialize. However, in late 1956, the Angeles Jaycees were able to convince Ricardo M. Catahan, a U.S. Air Force Auditor at Clark Air Base to try to organize one in Mariveles. Because Mariveles was known to be the starting point of the infamous Bataan Death March, it became doubly interesting to have one in Mariveles. Ricardo was fondly called Ric by friends at Clark AB and Angeles. began to hold the first organizational meeting at Villa Carmen in Cabcaben, Mariveles, Bataan.

The big guns of the Philippine Jaycees from Manila converged in Villa Carmen and exhorted the prospective members of the Mariveles Jaycees. On November 3, 1956, the first International Civic organization in Bataan and Zambales after WWII was created in Mariveles, Bataan, the Mariveles Junior Chamber of Commerce. An artist’s concept of the Death March was featured on the cover of the Souvenir Program. A congratulatory message by General Douglas MacArthur to Jaycee President Ricardo M. Catahan was highly publicized in the Manila papers ahead of the publication of the Souvenir Program, which contained the congratulatory message.

In the second paragraph of his congratulatory message, General MacArthur wrote, “Bataan has a very special place in my memory and in my heart, and I hope you will express to all concerned my cordial regards and best wishes for the future. You deserve the best of everything”.

 

Fast forward to 2018, Pocholo De Leon Gonzales, the “VoiceMaster”, was the JCI Makati President. Little did he know that one of their members, Abul Khayr Alonto II, came from his beloved hometown in Bataan. Pocholo had always dreamed of creating a JCI chapter in Bataan, but until then, there was none. Recognizing this opportunity, Pocholo motivated and encouraged Abul, along with BJ Banzon, to charter JCI Bataan. With the support of JCI Makati and Pocholo's persistent lobbying, JCI Bataan was officially accepted into the JCI Philippines network on June 2, 2018.

Past Presidents of JCI Makati Lance Tan and Pocholo Gonzales with 2018 National President Rix Rafols and PP BJ Banzon

 

The formation of JCI Bataan was not just a dream come true for Pocholo, Khairy, and BJ, but also for the youth of Bataan. JCI Bataan provides a platform for young active citizens and leaders to become agents of positive change in their hometown. The chapter aims to highly involve the youth in the attainment of Bataan’s vision of having the lowest poverty incidence and top-level Human Development Index in the Philippines by 2020.

 

The founders of JCI Bataan had the goal of highly involving the youth in the attainment of Bataan’s vision by 2020, and which is to be “the province (with) the lowest poverty incidence resulting from quality growth attaining top-level Human Development Index in the Philippines.” JCI is a worldwide community of nearly 5,000 chapters in more than 100 countries with approximately 200,000 members. It is composed of young active citizens and leaders whose mission is to provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change.

 

JCI Bataan is the newest addition to the 300+ chapters in the Philippines. Since its inception, JCI Philippines has produced outstanding members, including Washington Sycip, Henry Sy, Ramon del Rosario, Former House Speaker Sonny Belmonte, and Dagupan City Vice Mayor Brian Lim, who currently serves as JCI World President. Some of its national programs include The Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines (TOYM), Oplan Kaagapay, Beyond Prison Walls, Peace is Possible, Bags to School, Got Heart, Youth Leadership Excellence Award, and Pinay Power.

 

First Opportunity to Impact facilitated by the Founder Pocholo Gonzales and his EVP Kurt Soliman
It's also the Foundation of JCI Bataan June 2, 2018.

The chartering of JCI Bataan was led by Pocholo with an “Opportunity to Impact” – JCI’s new member orientation. It was immediately followed by the election of the first JCI Bataan President in the person of Khairy Alonto, Balanga City Economic Investment & Development Office department head. Khairy also made the official announcement of the JCI Bataan Board of Directors, namely: BJ Banzon as Executive Vice President-Management, Harold Macapagal as Executive Treasurer, Edmer Fabian as Executive Secretary, Kelvin Rodriguez as Vice President-Programs, Mark Colentava as Vice President-Learning and Development, and Christopher Sarili as Vice President-Business.

In 2019, JCI Bataan has 26 active members and has instilled the strategy “AIM to GROW: Activate Impactful Motivators to become Goal-Oriented, Realistic, Open, and Ways-Forward-Thinking” for their goals. The chapter has accomplished programs in partnership with more established chapters including JCI Makati, JCI Olongapo, JCI Iligan, JCI Angeles City Culiat, JCI Quezon City Capitol, and even JCI Philippines, when the 2019 National President PJ Estrellado personally helped in distributing relief goods to the fire victims in Brgy. Capunitan, Orion Bataan.

2019 National President PJ Estrellado personally helped in distributing relief goods to the fire victims in Brgy. Capunitan, Orion Bataan.

 

JCI Bataan also collaborated with the City Government of Balanga, Bataan in bringing the Philippine Franchise Association for two consecutive years. They worked for the common goal of promoting franchising as a significant opportunity for job generation and entrepreneurship.

 

JCI Bataan's hard work and dedication to creating positive change in their community was recognized by JCI Philippines, and they were awarded the prestigious Temiong Award for being the Most Outstanding New Local Organization. This recognition is a testament to the impact that JCI Bataan has made in its short time since being founded, and serves as an inspiration for other local organizations to strive for excellence.

Last October 11 at the Capitol Convention Center, Pili, Camarines Sur, JCI Bataan was recognized as the Most Outstanding New Local Organization during the annual Temiong Awards of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Philippines (JCIP). The Temiong Awards are the highest honor awarded to local organizations of JCIP during the Philippines National Convention.

But the success story of JCI Bataan is not just limited to the programs and partnerships they have established. The chapter has also made a significant impact on the community through its leadership development programs and community service projects.

 

The chapter’s leadership development program focuses on empowering the youth of Bataan to become agents of positive change in their community. The program includes training in public speaking, networking, and leadership skills.

 

On the other hand, JCI Bataan’s community service projects aim to address the pressing needs of the community such as poverty, health, and education. They have organized projects such as feeding programs for the underprivileged, medical missions, and educational support for the less fortunate students.

 

JCI Bataan has truly become a force for good in the community and has become a beacon of hope for the youth of Bataan. The chapter’s success story is a testament to the power of dreams and the potential of the youth to make a difference in their communities.

 

With The Great Governor Joet Garcia

JCI Bataan is a shining example of how the youth of Bataan can come together to make a meaningful impact in their community. The chapter has become a leader in community service, empowering the youth of Bataan to become active citizens and leaders. With a strong focus on community development and youth empowerment, JCI Bataan is dedicated to creating a better future for the people of Bataan.

 

The chapter has also been actively promoting entrepreneurship in Bataan, which is a key driver of economic growth in the region. They have been working with the City Government of Balanga to promote franchising as a significant opportunity for job generation and entrepreneurship. JCI Bataan is also working to establish a mentorship program for young entrepreneurs to help them navigate the challenging landscape of starting a business.

July 2, 2018 - As a symbolic foundation of JCI Bataan Founding President Khairy Alonto together with its Founder Pocholo De Leon Gonzales and EVP Kurt Soliman took this photo to signify na founding of JCI Bataan.

 

JCI Bataan is also working to promote leadership development among the youth of Bataan. The chapter has been hosting leadership training and development programs, as well as other activities that promote personal and professional growth. JCI Bataan is also working to establish a youth leadership award program that will recognize and celebrate the achievements of young leaders in the community.

 

In conclusion, JCI Bataan is a dynamic and innovative chapter that is making a positive impact in the community. The chapter's success is a testament to the power of the youth to come together and make a difference in their communities.

JCI Bataan 2022 Induction

Fast forward to 2023, JCI Bataan continues to expand its reach and impact in the community. Another milestone for the organization is the founding of JCI Mariveles, a new chapter under the JCI Bataan umbrella. This new chapter is led by Bryan Dave Perez as its founding President, and is set to bring the same level of dedication and excellence that JCI Bataan is known for to the people of Mariveles.

 

JCI Mariveles aims to empower the youth of Mariveles and provide them with the necessary tools and resources to become leaders and agents of change in their community. The chapter will work towards the same vision as JCI Bataan, which is to help Bataan attain the lowest poverty incidence resulting from quality growth and the top-level Human Development Index in the Philippines.

 

The founding of JCI Mariveles is just the beginning for JCI Bataan. The organization is looking to expand further and launch more chapters in different towns and cities within Bataan like JCI Bagac, JCI Dinalupihan, and JCI Mariveles. This move is expected to bring JCI Bataan's vision and mission to a wider audience and provide more opportunities for the youth of Bataan to make a positive impact in their communities.

 

Founding 2023 JCI Mariveles President Bryan Dave Perez and Mariveles Mayor AJ Concepcion

The future of JCI Bataan is bright, and it is clear that the organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of the people of Bataan. The chapter continues to inspire and empower the youth of Bataan and will continue to do so in the years to come. With the support of its members and the community, JCI Bataan will continue to be a leading force for good in Bataan.