JCI Mandaluyong Is not your any other organization. First, this is a group that has been existing since 1964 so being the head of a group with such prestige is such a daunting task. Second, it is well known to the whole JCI community that there were factions that started as far as 10 years ago. To keep the organization at par with the other chapters and at the same time handle the faction that has been started by the organization’s elders are the main objective of my presidency.
I never thought of having this accomplished in a year’s time. The plan was to recruit new breed of members and to blend them with the inactive members in order to form the best and the brightest batch ever. Never mind the outside forces who are threatening our very existence. We did what we do best – to bring glory to the organization we are representing by winning awards and molding the next batch of officers that will fulfill our plan on year 2, which is to open up the communication lines for a possible joint project with the other faction and heal up the wounds of the past and in turn fulfill our vision for year 3, which is the completion of a united JCI Mandaluyong.
The year commenced with a dialogue with the other group, headed by Dr. Patrick Azanza. Wherever both parties are coming from, it did not matter to me. What matters most is that me and Dr. Azanza are open to the idea of unification, not minding what the elders say, nor minding what other people will say. And on July 16, 2008, an agreement was reached that as of January 1, 2009, JCI Mandaluyong or Mandaluyong Jaycees as everyone knows, will be united.
This achievement is greater than the awards both parties garnered during the year, as the recruitment process will now be stronger than ever, projects will be bigger than ever and the organization will now be ready to reach new heights without anything or anyone from within the organization derail the goals we have set.
Through the leadership of Dr. Alex Sta. Maria, who we call the “transition president”, JCI Mandaluyong will be in good hands. The board of directors are no pushovers themselves as they are one of the best in their fields. JCI Mandaluyong is well represented in the national board as Dr. Patrick Azanza has been appointed the National Executive Director, 2007 President Vannie Tolentino has been elected as the National Vice President for Metro East, and Art Talevera as the Regional Training Director for Metro East. 2008 also has been a good year as we have now more JCI certified presenters and trainers from only 1 the year before.
2009 will mark a new year for JCI Mandaluyong as the group plans to intensify the recruitment program. Expect that the JCI brand will be introduced to each of the city’s 27 barangays. Programs will also be opened up to introduce to everyone each area of opportunity that JCI provides.
All of these started with a vision…….and it is now beginning to become a reality. Please be a part of this vision and join JCI Mandaluyong.