About JCI Manila

Founding of JCI Manila From the Ashes of War, a Youth Movement is Born

Manila, 1947. It was just two years after the Second World War. In what was once touted as the “Pearl of the Orient’ was reduced to a wasteland heap of ash and rubble. Seventy percent of its utilities, factories, 80 percent of the southern residential district, and 100 percent of the business district was laid to waste. More than 100,000 innocent victims were slaughtered in a ferocious orgy of killing. Desolation and despair gripped the once-sprawling capital as countless lay orphaned, homeless and hopeless. The economy was in shambles, there was no water, no electricity and very little food.

Yet, it was amid such a bleak landscape, our history’s darkest and bleakest atmosphere, which sparked the birth of the greatest youth movement in Asia… all with the trademark curiosity of one 27-year-old First Lieutenant of the Reserve Force Philippine Army and a successful realty entrepreneur by one Artemio Limtuaco Vergel de Dios, who went by his favorite moniker, “Temiong.”

The vogue of social history has vastly enriched our understanding of the past. It has provided a forum for many voices, people whose experiences are as much a part of our collective subconscious as the actions of our community leaders. We have arrived at a moment of history often marked by a conspicuous absence of leadership in nearly every realm of our lives.

Our era is characterized by cynicism and the steady erosion of trust in our public institutions. So many of our communities’ hunger for inspired, honest and committed leadership is evidenced by the countless episodes of street demonstrations and salient issues taken to the judgment of public opinion.

It is within this context that Junior Chamber International Manila (JCI Manila) quickly became a crucible for promising young men who long for leadership. For seventy-five years, it has fulfilled a critical need by serving as the premier leadership training and service organization in this part of the world.

Guided by Purpose, Driven by Values

Values

We believe that faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life.
We believe that the brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations.
We believe that economic justice can best be won by free men through free enterprise.
We believe that government should be of laws rather than of men.
We believe that earth’s great treasure lies in human personality.
We believe that service to humanity is the best work of life.

Mission

We are dedicated to providing leadership development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change in their communities and beyond. Through engaging programs and impactful initiatives, we help individuals discover their potential and drive meaningful transformation.

Vission

JCI Manila aims to be the foremost global network of young leaders, uniting individuals across borders to inspire progress, foster innovation, and build a better world for future generations.

2026 Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of JCI Manila provides strategic leadership and governance in pursuit of the organization’s mission to develop active citizens and create positive change. Guided by the LEAD BEYOND principle, the Board leads with integrity and purpose—ensuring that every initiative goes beyond the expected, beyond the limit, and beyond the next generation.