A Story of Growth and Excellence: How JCI Bataan, My Hometown Chapter, Rise to Become 2019 Most Outstanding New Local Organization of JCI Philippines

Every milestone and success begins with dreaming of huge goals and taking the corresponding actions. JCI Bataan is a testament to a wonderful story of growth and excellence. My hometown chapter had gone a long way from who we are years ago to the recently awarded “Most Outstanding New Local Organization” of JCI Philippines for 2019.

Let me share our story of determination and triumph. May it become an inspiration too for every starting organization, company, and advocacy group.

Started With A Vision

Last 2018, I, the “VoiceMaster” Pocholo De Leon Gonzales, was the JCI Makati President. Little did I know one of our members, Abul Khayr Alonto II, came from my beloved hometown in Bataan. Long before I became the VoiceMaster, Abul already recognizes me as the son of Luis Gonzales, my father who served before as the Municipal Administrator of Mariveles, Bataan.

He joined JCI Makati upon invitation of our then 2018 Vice President Kurt Soliman. Meeting Abul is an alignment of great minds for our vision for JCI Bataan. I motivated and encouraged him to charter JCI Bataan, together with BJ Banzon. Abul became the President while BJ was the EVP of JCI Bataan.

He successfully steered JCI Bataan under his almost two-year leadership towards fast-tracked changes and progress. Only last year, June 2, 2018, and with my persistent lobbying, JCI Bataan was formally accepted in the JCI Philippines exclusive network. Pres. Abul joined the President’s Academy held last October 2018 in Lanao Del Norte. 

Endless Pursuit for Learning

This 3-day academy was an avenue of learning and experience for every chapter president. They discovered more how JCI develops its members, 18-40 years of age, to dedicated future leaders in their respective industries and professions. They learned the decades-long history of JCI which was founded in the United States in 1915 and in the Philippines in 1947. 

The chapter presidents learned the comprehensive processes as to how they utilize parliamentarily procedure to layout and accomplish programs using its patented Active Citizen Framework. This is important for the continuous creation of a positive impact for JCI’s responsibilities being a non-nation member of the United Nations in representing the world youth. 

As I still guide and direct JCI Bataan to the best ways I can, Pres. Abul. applied the learnings and collaborations from the Presidents’ Academy for the further growth and progress of JCI Bataan. At present, they have 26 active members and have instilled the strategy “AIM to GROW: Activate Impactful Motivators to become Goal-Oriented, Realistic, Open, and Ways-Forward-Thinking” for their goals. 

Concrete Actions Benefitting Communities

Last 2018, JCI Bataan have accomplished programs with the partnership of more established chapters including JCI Makati, JCI Olongapo, JCI Iligan, JCI Angeles City Culiat, JCI Quezon City Capitol, and even JCI Philippines when 2019 National President PJ Estrellado have risen up to the call of duty when he personally helped in distributing relief goods to the fire victims in Brgy. Capunitan, Orion Bataan. 

Also,  JCI Bataan 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 kept on growing until such time they held a ceremonial induction night on Balanga City, Bataan last March 16, 2019. They invited guest speaker Hon. Joet Garcia, Representative of 2nd District of Bataan to share his advocacy for the youth of Bataan. 

Fulfillment of the Vision

My vision in JCI Bataan did not only materialize but they successfully have shattered standards and exceeded expectations under the leadership of Pres. Abul Khayr Alonto II. They are worthy of being the recipient of the 2019 “Most Outstanding New Local Organization” Temiong Award bestowed by JCI Philippines---a young chapter that already gained so much growth in such a short time. The Temiong Award is the highest distinction given to members or chapters for their extraordinary achievement.

JCI Bataan will continue to cultivate the JCI core values while upholding the 1Bataan vision to every initiative project and for the welfare of our countrymen. I, the VoiceMaster, will continue to do my part to ensure JCI Bataan grows steadily as they reach more milestones in the future.