THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF JCI SUBIC LAMBAT VOLUME 1 | ISSUE 2 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021 READY TO TAKE CHARGE. Gonzales discusses his plans for his term in the Special Regional Council Meeting. Photo by Fron Duque
NAVIGATING THE POWER OF THE PEN
EN ROUTE TO
EXCELLENCE: Gonzales shares future projects for Lambat BY NICKO MATTA TARLAC CITY- Newly elected JCI Subic Lambat President for 2022, Rhee Jhan Gonzales, shared their projects to further set the local organization on track, in the Special Regional Council Meeting of JCI Central Luzon last November 30, 2021. The said meeting was attended by the 2022 and 2021 Regional Board headed by Jason Gavina and RV Vega, together with the Dasig and Synergy Presidents of Central Luzon. The meeting was held to discuss the accomplishments of each local organization for the year 2021 and to hear the preparations and projects of the newly elected presidents. Together with his 2022 BOD, Gonzales promised that they will make sure to elevate the chapter and to create quality and sustainable projects inclined with the environment, animal life, health, education and overall wellness of their community of responsibility. According to him, their projects and programs include YOLO (Your Organs Live On), TAHOL (Tackling Animal Homelessness & Overpopulation Leniency, SIMULA (Sustainable and Unified Innovative Movement through Unified Land Action), and many more which will be implemented in the next months of his presidency. “We will make JCI Subic Lambat a home of better persons creating change for their respective area,” Gonzales said in an interview.
BY NICKO MATTA
SURVEY NEWS
3 out of 5 Lambat jaycees says NO to ‘No Vax, No Ride policy’ In a survey conducted by ‘The Lighthouse’ editorial board, results shows that most of its members isn't in favor with the government’s plan of implementing the ‘No Vax, No Ride Policy’, requiring all
commuters to bring with them their COVID-19 vaccination cards when taking public utility vehicles. This proposed policy is said to alleviate and slow down the rising cases or surge of Omicron variant infected individuals in the
country. Last January 20 , Philippines registered 31,173 new COVID-19 cases, pushing the national tally to 3,324,478 according to the Department of Health data. Several JCI Subic Lambat
members reasoned out that the policy is an anti-poor, illegal directive, and a violation of the basic human rights. Meanwhile, those who voted in favor of the policy thinks that even though it can help stop the virus spread there can still be a lot of ways to travel safe.
‘BATMAN & THE DOGGO CITY’ TAHOL adopts destitute dog shelter in Subic BY LEE ROBIN P. BONIFACIO
CANCER-FREE. Batman warmly welcomed JCI Subic Lambat and DIWA Party list during its visit in the shelter.
With over 30 stray and abandoned dogs under their custody, JCI Subic Lambat through its program TAHOL, adopted ‘The Homeless Dog Shelter’ located at Ilwas Subic as it continues to bark for help. Also deeply affected by the pandemic, the dog shelter faces scarcity in food resources and facilities to accommodate their growing numbers. In response to this, Project Chair LO Sec. Lee Robin Bonifacio, co-hosted
by JCI Olongapo in collaboration with DIWA party list represented by Jaime Gardon donated several construction materials. The team saw the current state of the shelter in an ocular inspection done to assess and come up with a solution. “Sa ngayon po, nakikipag-ugnayan po tayo sa mga government offices so they can provide free animal services kagaya po ng pag-spay at neuter sa mga na-rescue po nating
mga dogs dito sa shelter,” says Jervy Castillo, founder and owner of the said dog institution. Among the many dogs in the shelter, sweet and warm dog named Batman caught their attention as Castillo shared the dog’s story of successfully battling cancer. The shelter was founded in 2014 after the owner stopped working as an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) in Hongkong.
2 Lambat receives anti-flu vax, 85 shots jabbed on PHSD-SBMA Frontliners
INSIDE LAMBAT
Lambat elects new set of BOD’s; ready to exercise one year to lead
BY LEE ROBIN BONIFACIO
BY NICKO MATTA
INJECT TO PROTECT. A frontliner took his booster shot to complete full vaccination status. Photo by Rhee Jhan Gonzales
To help equip medical frontliners in their battle against the increasing threats of the pandemic, JCI Subic Lambat in partnership with JCI Mabalacat Malasa, eighty-five (85) Flu vaccines were administered to the frontliners of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Public Health and Safety Department last December 27, 2021 at Harbor Point Subic which made the adoption of Rotary Club of San Juan North's A SHOT FOR L.I.F.E. (Living In a Flu-free Environment). Attending the turnover from
JCI Subic Lambat were 2022 Pres. Rhee Jhan Gonzales, 2022 EVP Alyssa Claire Hechanova, and 2022 LO Secretary Lee Robin Bonifacio. While JCI Mabalacat was represented by 2022 Pres. Franz Lawrence Senapilo, 2021 Pres. Roy Leandro Reyes, 2022 EVP John Paul Galang, 2022 VP for External Marc Angelo Ofrecio, 2022 LO Secretary Gail De Guzman -Senapilo, and 2022 PRO Bernadette Lising. The vaccines donated by the Rotary Club were Influvac Tetra, which
is used for active immunization for the prevention of influenza caused by influenza virus, types A and B. “Flu season is just around the corner, it’s better to be prepared and be safe than sorry. By protecting our frontliners, we are also protecting our outpatients and clients. Although COVID 19 is still rampant, especially with the new variants, let us not forget that we are still vulnerable to other threats and diseases,” according to Dr. Arcely F. Layson, Division Chief, PHSD, SBMA.
YOLO tackles organ donation; to relaunch in Feb BY LEE ROBIN BONIFACIO OCTOBER 30, 2021- JCI Subic Lambat along with the National Kidney Transplant Institute – Human Organ Preservation Effort (NKTI – HOPE) commenced Your Organs Live On (YOLO), a year long awareness program tackling the benefits of deceased organ donation chaired by LO Secretary Lee Robin Bonifacio. The project aims to produce at least five deceased organ donor signees from each chapter within JCI Philippines. As of January 2022, JCI Subic Lambat along with NKTI-HOPE has conducted two sessions. The first session had a total of 80 participants from twelve cohost (JCI Angeles City Culiat, JCI Bamban Kayabe, JCI Bataan, JCI Cabanatuan, JCI Cabanatuan Golden Grain, JCI Lingayen Bagoong, JCI Mabalacat Malasa, JCI Magalang Mekeni, JCI Nueva Ecija Mandala, JCI Olongapo, JCI San Fernando Cabalen,
JCI Tarlac City, JCI Davao Gulf, and Junior Social Workers’ Association of the Philippines - Columban College). Second session was held on November 27, 2021, with 40 participants from JCI Candon Gold Lead, JCI Cauayan Bamboo, JCI Dagupan Inc., JCI Dagupeñas, JCI Las Chicas del Baguio, and JCI Tuguegarao Ybanag. “This program on educating our people when it comes to donating our organs will help a lot of families and those who are experiencing illness today. This program is needed more than ever. This is actually one of the most unique programs that I saw in JCI Philippines so congratulations JCI Subic Lambat for pioneering this campaign ride for organ donation,”2022 Area Vice President for Area 1, Atty. Ma. Karen Baldonado-Guillermo stated in her opening remarks. Each webinar session lasted
Last October 23, 2021, the JCI Subic Lambat held its election for the 2022 Board of Directors at Club Morocco, Subic. Garnering majority of the votes from its members, Rhee Jhan Gonzales was elected president as Immediate Past President Neil John Fabay ended his term. It has also been decided that Alyssa Claire Hechanova will take the role as the Executive Vice President. Meanwhile, names De Leon, Sionzon, Matta, and Toledo were chosen as Vice Presidents for Community, Finance, International and Individual, respectively. Egipto and Samonte on the other hand, will serve as the chapter’s Treasurer and Auditor together with Bonifacio as their Secretary. The new set of officers are expected to strengthen JCI Subic Lambat and increase its number.
YOLO
BY THE NUMBERS about an hour and a half long, which included a 1-hour discussion of Dr. Benita S. Padilla, M.D., Former Head of NKTI – HOPE informing the participants of the benefits of deceased organ donation and how signing an organ donor card can save lives. It also included a short testimonial from an organ recipient, and a sibling of a deceased organ donor. The participants were given a chance to ask questions and raise their concerns to which the facilitators from NKTI – HOPE answered them successfully. To date, the project has produced forty signees from 120 participants over the past two sessions. Both sessions ended with positive reviews with the participants eager to share their knowledge over what they’ve learned. The project is intended to continue in February 2022.
participants on the 1st run
participants on the 2nd run
deceased organ donation pledges
3rd organ donation campaign
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ERIKA ANGELA PARAISO
Dumb ways to die On 19 January 2022, presidential daughter and Vice President aspirant Sara DuterteCarpio made headlines when she expressed her intent to talk to Congress and make military service mandatory for Filipinos aged 18 years old if she wins the 2022 polls. This news also attracted the attention of the youth who are visible and very much active in social media websites. This sparked debate and postings across the web with one question that remains the same, do we need a mandatory military service? While most of the Filipinos are against the idea of mandatory military service, many are citing the advantages of having one. One of the popular reasons on why it should be implemented is the chance for young people to mature and bridge to adulthood. With the strict environment that military service offers, it can also serve as an avenue for values formation and discipline. The everpresent idea of seeking greener pasture outside the country and the history of colonialism made it hard for Filipinos to be patriotic and nationalistic. Some believe that this can be altered through the mandatory military service. Lastly, the enhancement of defensive capabilities of the country seems to be pressing now more than even with the constant presence of Chinese Navy in our waters. But are all these enough to say
that we need one? Of course, many will say that it is unnecessary and unlawful knowing that it is a violation to our freedom. There is also an uproar about the budget to be allotted if this will come true. More importantly, the youth are anxious on what kind of restrictions they have to face while being in the service. Issues about hazing from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and from different universities and colleges with their Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) classes are not helpful for Filipinos to welcome the idea of having a mandatory military service as well. Equally, the presence of Chinese military is also questionable for our countrymen. Filipinos’ idea of this proposal of Duterte-Carpio came from South Korea’s mandatory military service. Every male citizen aged 18 to 30 years old must serve in the military for 2 to 3 years. With the growing influence of modernization, younger generation of Koreans continue to appeal for the revocation of this law. Despite the pleas, Korea continues to uphold this law for many reasons that are very different from those stated above. Although there are valid concerns, one must know that the mandatory military service for the countries that enforce it has basis that are deeply rooted in their history and culture. At this point, this issue should not be worrisome for the Filipinos. There are many things to consider that must fit our culture and being.
PRESIDENT’S NOTE It’s been over a year or two since the pandemic and our country continues to suffer. In this time of great sorrow, there needs to be someone to light the way. My time here in JCI has given me the platform to become an advocate of change and gave me the opportunity to help the community I am in. And I will continue to do so until my last breath. True to its literal meaning and purpose; to provide light, become a landmark, and guide navigators, ‘ The Lighthouse’ is here to inspire — to spark and navigate change. Look out world! For we’ve only just begun.
Untitled note. BY RHEE JHAN GONZALES “When you wish upon a star. Makes no difference who you are. Anything your heart desires. Will come to you” -When You Wish Upon a Star – Pinocchio “Gotcha! Straight to the doing something with my life. I heart!” said one of my favorite Disney justified my stress because I thought movie. its normal. It is how I was raised by my Is that so? Then why am i not parents. having what they have? It is also what my heart desires. Why I am I not An over-achiever kid. hustling like others? Why I am not I kept trying different things. Like having what they have? Not owning a finding a drug that would work for my business? I am 24 years old — will I fit condition. A shoe that would finally fit. in? “Ma, pwede namang hindi perBut it wasn’t always like that. fect lahat ng ginagawa ko ‘di ba?” Back then, I would take pride That’s the turning point that I in doing multiple things. I even call am waiting. I deliberately fled from myself jack of all trades but true anything that triggers my feelings of enough, I am master of none. I would anxiety and depression. I focused on feel high and validated whenever my peace. I focused on living. And in that days are so full of errands you actually journey, I found contentment. have to book me weeks ahead just to see me. I feel so relevant and fulfilled “Pwede naman palang mahuli. when I’m too busy to stay in one place. Pwede naman palang hindi magI always say rest is for weak, and I was ing perfect. Akala ko hindi” obviously living by it. Today, I am able to look into What changed? my life and see what things are truly important. And they weren’t things. It I guess what changed is I saw wasn’t status. It wasn’t being the best. what’s happening: I kept chasing dreams that aren’t mine. I was living What’s important is I am someone else’s life. And I was happy and I will keep on dreaming suffering. I was stressed but I loved without pushing too much. Finally, I being stressed because it feels like I’m will travel at my own phase.
NAVIGATING THE POWER OF THE PEN
THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF JCI SUBIC LAMBAT Volume 1 | Issue 2 | November-December 2021 jcisubiclambat@gmail.com
Editorial Board EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Rhee Jhan Gonzales ASSISTANT EIC: Nicko Matta FEATURES/ OPINION EDITOR: Aika Paraiso NEWS EDITOR: Lee Robin Bonifacio LAYOUT ARTIST: Nicko Matta
Photo by Fron Duque
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Vision must not just be in the eyes of the leader , but with the people
A cliche for change BY AIKA PARAISO
Are they good enough? As we are months away from May 2022, every corner of the country is filled with faces of the possible leaders of this nation. At this point, it is good to ask yourself if your chosen candidates have what it takes to be a leader. While there are many qualities that we may look at, this article shares some of the principles of Sam Walton as he established one of the biggest retailers and world’s largest corporations – Walmart. Walton’s take on vision, culture, commitment, and passion will make us understand why it is not just a cliché on leadership.
attract followers who can commit themselves to the vision and ideals is necessary. Creating a culture where everyone shares the same values, purposes, and expectations of success provides a basis for all their action.
A leader must have vision to grow. For a great endeavor to succeed, it all starts with vision. More than picturing how the future would look like, a leader has a power to see what others don’t see. With this vision, there is a dream with determination. The fruition of the vision does not stop from starting and achieving the dream, it is a process of changing and growing along with the dream. The vision must not just be in the eyes of the leader, but with the people. A leader is a cultivator of culture. The need to
You know that the person is a leader when there is commitment to help. Walton’s principle is a bit different on this – success will come when you make a commitment to help your customers succeed first. Think of the customers as the con-
It is why the values in any organization must be clearly articulated for and understood by everyone. Values identify what you stand for. The values becomes the culture, and culture can determine if the organization has a future. When you know that you are working towards the same goal, integrity can be an expected outcome.
sumers in an organization or the citizens for a government leadership. “How will this affect the customer?” is always asked in which planning and discussion always begins and ends with customers.
new level.
A leader who avoids the quicksand of complacency knows that success can also be dangerous. Complacency is the mortal enemy of growth and continuous success; Thorough analysis will make thus, a good leader will look beyond a leader realize that the only reason that to excel further. why they are in business is because of the customers. You can serve people These principles of Walton without satisfying them, but it’s were applied in building a retail store. impossible to satisfy them without Can you imagine how an organization, serving them. big or small, could thrive with these principles? How about a leader of your A leader should always community or the country possessing be passionate for excellence. these ideals, have you considered it? Striving for excellence means never being satisfied-always doing things to Maybe they are clichés keep improving, even if it means because we can only see and hear about changing everything. Part of this is the them. The good thing about these correction of errors and thinking what principles is that they are not exclusive could be done better. This comes with for leaders that we know. set- ting high expectations that These ideals can be leads to raising the exercised by me and perforyou. How many of mance to us have tried a stepping up and be a leader? I encourage you to adapt Walton’s principles. If you are not yet up for it, then at least choose a leader who is ready to embrace these clichés for change.