Founding of JCI Manila
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.
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.”
Historical Milestones
JCI Manila's Diamond
75 Years of Pioneering Positive Impack by JCI Senator Reginald T. Yu
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Values
“We Believe that faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life. That the brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations. That Economic Justice Can best be won by free men through free enterprise. That government should be of laws rather than of men. That Earth’s Greatest treasure lies in human personality and that service to humanity is the best work of human life. “
Mission
“To provide leadership development opportunities that empower young people to create positive Change.”
Values
“To be the foremost global network of young leaders.”
“We reaffirm our conviction that faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life. May the Lord guide us in all our undertakings.”
2023 JCI Manila
Board of Directors
At the service of society and JCI Manila members. Leading JCI Manila through hard work and dedication.
