The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Mandaue chapter, now on its 56th year as a brotherhood with purpose celebrated its induction and turnover ceremonies last February 9, 2019 at the Citi Park Hotel.
Under the leadership of President Rodrigo Limpot Jr., the Merry Men of JCI have adopted the theme of “Together We Prosper,” highlighting the importance of teamwork and shared responsibility for the development of the chapter and community.
Limpot, 31, runs his family business involved in web hosting, design, and computer network hardware and peripherals.
JCI is a non-profit international leadership and civic organization of young people between 18 and 40 years old. It has members in about 124 countries, and aims to provide development opportunities that allow young active citizens to create positive change in their communities.
The formal gathering brought together JCI members from all ten of the JCI chapters in Central Visayas, and delegates from sister chapter JCI Samcheonpo of South Korea. JCI members from Aklan and Iligan were also present to witness the turnover and induction of JCI Mandaue’s Presidents and Board of Directors. Sister chapter agreements were also signed with the 3 Bohol chapters – JCI Boholana Kisses, JCI Bohol Limestone, and JCI Chocolate Hills.
JCI Mandaue’s 2018 President, South Korean businessman Sung Ho “Andrew” Tae gave his valedictory address expressing how grateful he was to have served his “1 year to lead,” and having contributed to the growth of the chapter. Under his leadership, JCI Mandaue was able to establish an outreach agreement with the South Korean Kwangjeong Presbyterian Church, in building at least 8 daycare centers within the City of Mandaue. JCI Mandaue was able to deliver its first daycare center in December 2018 at Brgy. Guizo, Mandaue City. Two more are slated to be finished with the year.
On his part, 2019 President Rodrigo Limpot highlighted his goal of “partnering with companies to have an independent money making scheme for the sustainability of the chapter.” He also expressed his desire to build on the gains of the past years by strengthening internal procedures that will ensure members take the opportunity to lead and become better through planning, execution, and evaluation of projects.
The new set of Board of Directors include Sung Ho “Andrew” Tae as Immediate Past President, Nike Enriquez Cagulada (EVP-Internal), Eric Paolo Smith (EVP-External), Brandon Lavilla (Secretary), Kim Ngo (VP Business), Sam Uy (VP Community), Judee Kwan (VP International), Edmar Dionson (VP Individual), Archie Arizo (Treasurer), Paolo Saberon (Local Training Director), Daniel Ismael (VP Communications), Kristoffer Yurong (Auditor & Protocol Officer), and Joseph Ortiz (PRO). Together with their Deputy directors, the officers were charged by 2019 Regional Vice President Camille Maluenda and inducted by Past Area Vice President Atty. Carlo Fortuna.
The program for the evening had Mandaue City Vice Mayor Atty. Carlo Fortuna, a Past President of JCI Mandaue as inspirational speaker; iLearners founder and social media influencer Doyzkie Buenaviaje as keynote speaker, and JCI Philippines’ 2019 National Executive Vice President Disston Tan, a JCI Mandaue Past President as well, as Guest of Honor.
The evening ended with the revival singing and dancing of the Jaycees March spearheaded by JCI Mandaue’s past presidents.
JCI Mandaue, an all male organization, was founded in 1964 by Ariston Cortes. It is one of the oldest JCI chapters in the Visayas. The chapter played host to the 38th Visayas Area Conference last September 2018 and has inaugurated their first daycare center in Brgy. Guizo, Mandaue City in December 2018. The chapter maintains strong cooperation with the City of Mandaue and its City Social Welfare Services (CSWS) department, with regular outreach activities with the city’s underprivileged children and establishment of additional daycare centers for the city.
