JCI SUBIC LAMBAT THE LIGHTHOUSE VOLUME 5 ISSUE 1

‘NO WAY BUT UP Lambat wins big, earns multiple NICKO

news

Lambatwinsbig,earnsmultipleA1,JCIP awards...

from page 1

JCI PHILIPPINES JCI Subic Lambat proved its efficiency to be of service to humanity and that it is a force to be reckoned with after reaping multiple awards in the different conferences of the area and country held fromSeptember 2022toMay2023.

AsJCI Philippines Area1concluded its Uno Awards last September 3 at the Thunderbird Resorts, La Union, Lambat has brought home 3 awards out of 4 bids that made it tothe judgingperiod.

The local organization won the and named as the following: Best Local Organization Publication (The Lighthouse), Best JCI Week celebration, and Best Public HealthProgram(YourOrgansLiveOn).

Additional to these, in the last Temiong Awards on October at Surigao, 3 bids made it to the podium finish. Lambat’s 2022 LO President Rhee Jhan Gonzales was hailed5thBest LOPresident.

TAHOL on the other hand, which

was the organization’s flagship program ranked 4th in the Best Animal Welfare program.

More importantly, for the very first time in its history, Lambat received the Sinagtala award (Merit Award) for the Best Local Organization Publication (The Lighthouse).

Since then, opportunities for recognition never left Lambat as it was also bestowed with Training Excellency Award for 2022. Under HusayAwards, it ranked3 in TrainingEfficiency.

Recently, February 11, JCI Area 1 thru its Impact Awards recognized TAHOL asoneamongthe five best projects for the1st quarter.

Given and more than the numerous awards and recognitions it has received, Subic Lambat remains steadfast in its commitment to serve and bring positive impactto humanity.

LEADING WITH LOVE

Gonzalesonsurvivingpresidency:Youoweittoyourmembers

SAN JUAN, La Union Area 1

Secretary Rhee Jhan T. Gonzales shared his journey as a former Local Organization President of JCI Subic Lambat in the “Ascend: Elevate Trainings. Elevate Trainers.” training series of JCI Philippines Area1 last December 3, 2022. Led by the 2023 Area Skills Development Directorate and Area Skills Development Director (ASDD) Bernie Pioquinto, attendees learned about

relevant topics in navigating their leadership.

The training also included a featured discussion on JCI Protocol by 2014 National President Ma. Christine Ponce-Garcia and a master class on leadership by Area Vice President Atty. LianE. Rimando.

In his talk, the now Area Secretary reminded the present and aspiring presidents to remember their

members who worked hand in hand in their leadership journey.

Gonzales also spoke that a successful one year to lead isn't only measured by the number of people and communities helped but also by the number of people a president has inspired to become a president and to take a leadershiprole.

Face every challenges as a group. You cannot survive your presidency alone.

Area 1 Secretary Rhee Jhan Gonzales

NICKO MATTA

Scan the QR code above to see more of the ASCEND 2023

PHOTO FROM JCI AREA I FB PAGE

300,000 1,200 350

DeLeon,Samonte,graduatesfromGabay

PANGASINAN To help future trainers to acquireskills and knowledgethat canbe instrumental in helping different local organizations in the field of skills development and trainings, JCI Area 1 and the Area Skills Development Directorate launched GABAY Mentoring and Trainers CertificationProgramlast May26-28.

Sixteen (16) participants all over the Area including Lambat’s very own Vice President for Community Joshua De Leon graduated from the said program led by Head Trainer Mennen Aracid, National Skills Development Director (NSDD) James Anthony Lim, Area Skills Development Director (ASDD) Bernie Pioquinto, ASDD Reynard Francisco and JCI Lingayen Liberation II Local OrganizationPresident MarlonDeVera.

The three-day workshop was composed of seven (7) modules of learning styles for allthe learners.

In an interview, De Leon is grateful for the opportunity and experience givenbyGabay.

He also added that through the said program, he was able to forge strong connectionswithother Jaycees.

“For me my GABAY experience was great! I am truly grateful to JCI Philippines for providing this

opportunity to grow as a trainer and make meaningful impact. I also made a strong connection with my fellow Jaycees that helped me process the whole training. I must saythat GABAY helped meto at least conquer my fear in public speaking and I will used this experience to start my new journey as a trainer and will share this to my beloved LO JCI Subic Lambat,” De Leonexpressed.

On the other hand, 2022 Secretary -Treasurer of Lambat Phillip Justin Samonte joined the same training and certification program in the Area 3 at Puerto Princesa Palawanrecentlyhosted by JCI PuertoPrincesaKiao last June30 - July 2, 2023.

In his Facebook post, Samonte, thanked their trainer and the host LO for hisexperience.

“

What an experience to learn more on becoming a trainer and of course, meeting new found friends from other areas. Salamat po sa pagGABAY, Head Trainer IG Marc, NSDD James Anthony Lim, ASDD Reynard Francisco, ASDD Harry James Nuñez and AC Marivic. To NP Rix and Pres Francesca Abueg na sobrang generous and accommodating since day 1 and to the whole JCI Puerto Princesa Kiao, Inc., maraming salamat,” thepostreads.

Samonte De Leon

LEE ROBIN BONIFACIO TAKEN FROM 2022 JCI SUBIC LAMBAT INDUCTION & TURNOVER CEREMONY

LambatnowinGapo,LGULEDBillboards

ating pamilya, maski mga aso may karapatan- karapatang mabuhay" was shared on the Olongapo City Information CenterFacebookpage.

The display of the said digital advertisement was accomplished thru the efforts of the Olongapo City Government in collaboration and partnership with The Homeless Dog Shelter, a dog shelter that JCISubicLambathasadoptedsince2021.

The recently shown poster promotes and solidifies 'Tackling Animal Homelessness and Overpopulation Leniency' (TAHOL) program of Subic Lambat, which advocates for resolving concerns impacting animal life and a response to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Program (UNSDG)15:LifeonLand.

Asidefromproducingandstaging awareness posters and campaigns, the

“TAHOL is a program of JCI Subic Lambat that focuses on animal welfare. While we mainly conduct spay and neuter projects in collaboration with local animal shelters, we also conduct adoptionandvaccinationdrives,education and responsible pet ownership training, as well as stray feeding and supporting on the construction of animal shelters.

He also shared that Lambat will also conduct a spay and neuter drive for themonthofAprilpartneringwithvarious of Non-Government Organizations (NGO).

“We have a spay and neuter drive that will span across Zambales this coming April, and will also be conducting other campaigns to promote responsible petownership,” Bonifacioadded.

Moreover, 2023 Area 1 Secretary and now Immediate Past President of JCI

province,” Gonzalesexpressed. Lastly, 2023 JCI Subic Lambat Local Organization President Alyssa Claire Hechanova thanked everyone who partookinthesaidprogram’sactivities.

“Of course, thank you to my dearest Board of Directors (BOD) for always keeping in their minds the interests of our fur babies. Also, thank you to the city of Olongapo for supporting our endeavors. Hopefully, by the coming months,ourLO’sTAHOLwillbeadopted by other municipalities in the realization of our dream to have a province free of stray animals and a province that prioritizes the fulfillment of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal number 15 which is the life on land,” HechanovatoldTheLighthouse.

MARCH 2023 -In its effort to promote the welfare and uphold the rights of women in today's society, Junior Chamber International (JCI) Subic Lambat launched various activities and partnered with different organizations in observance of the Women's Month and JCI Philippines' Pinay Power.

Unsung Women heroes in a film Lambat in partnership with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP)- Museo ni Ramon Magsaysay and President Ramon Magsaysay State University (PRMSU) Castillejos campus launched 'Ako si Gabriela', a month-long series of activities empoweringthewomen.

Last March 6,7, and 9 it held a film showing at St. Nicolas Academy of Castillejos Inc. (SNACI) drawing almost hundredand fiftystudent viewers.

The film

showed thought-provoking scenes during the Spanish period highlighting numerous heroic women of the past like Gabriela Silang, Melchora Aquino (Tandang Sora), Agueda Kahabagan (Henerala Agueda), Teresa Magbanua (Visayan Joan of arc), ClemenciaLópez, andGregoriadeJesús.

ListeningtoWomen’sgreatness

On the 20th of the month, Lambat hostedtheCentralLuzonRegion's 'CooLitan Year 2: Kwentong Babayeah' featuring the organization's empowered women National Chairperson for JCI Week Aissa Uy, National Chairperson for Health Projects Kayla Dy, and Area 1 Conference Director, and CL's Regional Executive Director,IzzaSambrano.

The museum with the organization as its primary partner also launched a leadership training workshop on March 25 entitled: Tumitindig: The Last ManStanding is a Woman where 2023 JCI Subic Lambat

Local Organization President Alyssa Claire Hechanova served as the resource speaker to 30 student leaders across the first district of Zambales.

Celebrating and empowering women even in cyberspace

Sharing her experiences as a young woman leader, Lambat President Alyssa Claire Hechanova spoke to JCI Mabalacat Malasa's 'Babae sa Babae: Kwentuhan para sa Babae, mula sa Babae'March 24 via Zoom.

Together with eight JCI local organizations of the country, Lambat co-hosted JCI Olongapo and Cabanatuan Golden Grain's webinar CHISMISS: Changing Inferiority Into Supremacy last March 28-29, 2023, where women including Pauline Amelinckx, Ms. Universe Philippines 2022 Charity and 2023 JCI Chocolate Hills LO President shared their in-

PUBMAT BY RHEE JHAN GONZALES

28ZambalesboatmentrainonPinoy brandofexcellence

PAMPANGA Department ofTourism (DOT) hascapacitatedboatmeninZambales provincewiththenecessaryknowledgeand skillsonrenderingserviceexcellenceto tourists.

28boatmenfromtheZambales townsofCandelariaandMasinloc completedtrainingastourist front-line employeesaspartoftheir missionto promoteserviceexcellence inCentral Luzon, according to DOT RegionalDirector RichardG. DaenosonTuesday.

Hesaidthat fromJune5to11,at theDawalBeachResortinCandelaria, the boatmenreceived instructioninbasic life support,first aid, water safety, andsearch

Inaninterview, Daenosstated, "Wewanttopreparethemwithtourist expertise, fundamentaltour leading, and providingservicequality.

Hestressedthesignificanceof equippingtheboatmenwiththeknowledge anddispositionnecessaryto usethe appropriatetactics for lifesaving.

"Landdrillsandwater activities testedour boatmen's emergencyresponse skills,"headded.

TheFilipino BrandofService ExcellenceTrainingwasaddressed inthe learningcourseinordertosupportthe advocacyofexcellent valuesandservices.

Inorderto make the training successful, heexpressedgratitudetothe ProvincialTourismOfficeofZambales, the MunicipalTourismOfficesofCandelaria andMasinloc, andtheDawalBeachResort. Thesametrainingwasalso completedby40 boatmen, lifeguards, and resortemployees inthe Auroranbarangays ofDinadiawanandDiabarasininMarch. TheDOTofficialhadearlier stated, "As we promotelocaltourism, we also provide industryworkerswiththetoolsto becomeeffectivestewardsofPhilippine tourism."

HANNAH EGIPTO

Zambalesfisherfolksslam NO SAILZONE policy

Last April 11, fishermen from Zambales opposed the ‘no-sail zone policy’ that was implemented during the 18-day joint military exercises between Philippine and American forces.

Bobby Roldan, vice-chairman of the fishermen's group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) on the island of Luzon, stated that the military exercises would interfere with their ability to make a living during the zenith of the fishing season.

"Filipinos do not deserve to be displaced from their means of subsistence in order to provide a security blanket for foreign forces conducting war games with live fire exercises in our fishing grounds," he said.

PAMALAKAYA statedthat it isstillassessingthe number of fishermen impacted

HechanovaspeaksonSKTagaytaytraining

You have to lead with love, for leadership has no essence without it.”

The 2023 President of JCI Subic Lambat, Alyssa “Ysa” Claire Hechanova, was invited to become a resource speaker for the SK Tagaytay’s leadership summit last December 12, 2022, on Iba,

Pres Ysa has long been an active member of her community. Being an amiable leader, she shares her knowledge on how to run an organization based on love, as well as how to maintain one’s passion in leadership despite obstacles.

LIANA LINTAG

FRANCIS MOLINA

by the provisional no-sail zone, which includes the Zambales coastal municipalities of San Antonio, San Narciso, San Felipe, Cabangan, and Botolan. The defense agreement between the two countries includes the annual exercises known as Balikatan, which means shoulder-to-shoulder. This year, it will be conducted from April 11 to April 28 in various areas of the Philippines. With over 17,000 Filipino and American soldiers participating, this year's joint military exercises are considered the largest ever. The drills coincide with escalating tensions in the disputed South China Sea.

Mr. Roldan stated that the Marcos administration should regard the objections of Filipino fishermen to Balikatan, which is a menace to socioeconomic rights and nationalsecurity.

PHOTO BY RHEE JHAN GONZALES

WHAT NOW ? La vien rose

NICKO MATTA, 22 EDITOR IN CHIEF VP COMMUNICATIONS

LET S GET PRACTICAL

Bendito

LEE ROBIN BONIFACIO, 25 ASSOCIATE EDITOR IN CHIEF EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

Non-government and non-profit organizations (NGOs) face many challenges in securing partnerships and sponsorships that align with their mission and values. One such organization is the Junior Chamber International (JCI), a global network of young leaders and entrepreneurs who aim to create positive change in their communities. How can we improve our partnerships and sponsorships without compromising its brand?

One possible strategy is to focus on building long-term relationships with partners and sponsors who share JCI's vision and goals. This can be done by identifying potential collaborators who have similar interests, values, and target audiences as JCI, and by communicating clearly and regularly about the benefits and expectations of the partnership or sponsorship. By doing so, JCI can ensure that its partners and sponsors are committed to supporting its activities and projects, andthattheyrespect JCI's identityandreputation.

Another possible strategy is to diversify JCI's sources of funding and support. This can be done by exploring different types of partnerships and sponsorships, such as corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, grants, donations, in-kind contributions, and crowdfunding. By doing so, JCI can reduce its dependence on a single or few partners or sponsors, and increase its flexibility and resilience in case of changes or challenges. Moreover, JCI can expand its reach and impact by engaging with different stakeholdersandsectors.

Inconclusion, NGOs likeJCI canimprovetheir partnerships and sponsorships without compromising their brand by focusing on building long-term relationships with like-minded collaborators, and by diversifying their sources of funding and support. These strategies can help JCI to sustain its operations and to achieve its mission of creating positive change in the world.

Junior Chamber International Philippines, or JCI Philippines, is a network of young active citizens who aim to create positive change in their communities.

However, in recent years, some local organizations within JCI Philippines have become inactive or dormant due to various challenges and circumstances. This is a loss not only for the members of these organizations, but also for the society that could benefit from their projects and initiatives. Therefore, I believe that reviving local organizations in JCI Philippines is a crucial step to strengthen the impact and influenceofthisnetwork. One of the ways to revive local organizations in JCI Philippines is to make their names known to the public, especially to the potential members and partners who share their vision and values. By increasing their visibility and credibility, they can attract more people who are willing to join them and support them in their endeavors. Moreover, they can also showcase their achievements and contributions to the society, which can inspire others to follow their example and takeaction.

How can local organizations in JCI Philippines make their names known? There are several strategies that they can employ, suchas:

Creating and maintaining an online presence through social media platforms, websites, blogs, podcasts, etc. This can help them reach a wider audience and communicate their mission, vision, goals, activities, andopportunities.

Participating and collaborating in events and projects organized by other JCI chapters, bothlocallyand internationally. This can help them build relationships and networkswithother like-minded individuals and organizations, as well as learn from their best practicesandexperiences.

Engaging and involving the localcommunityand stakeholders in their programs and initiatives. This can help them understand the needs and issues of the people they serve, as well as gain their trust and support.

Seeking and applying for recognition and awards from reputable institutions and bodies that acknowledge and honor outstanding achievements in various fields. This can help them enhance their reputation and prestige, as well as motivate them to strive for excellence.

Reviving local organizations in JCI Philippines is not an easy task, but it is a worthwhile one. By making their names known, they can increase their chances of success and sustainability, as well as make a difference inthe world.

ONE OUT OF MANY

IN THE EYES OF A MAN, A

ADRIAN HECHANOVA

Curriculum and her BS in Pharmacy in

kindheartedperson.She is mysister andI amverymuchprivileged. The current LO president of the JCI Subic Lambat, Alyssa Claire L. Hechanova was born on December 29, 1997 in Olongapo City. Youcandothe mathandbesurprised, she looks so much younger than her age! Heck, sometimes she even calls me her kuya.

Kidding aside, Alyssa finished her primary education in SBFZ, Kalayaan Special Education for The Gifted, Secondary Education in St. Joseph College Olongapo CityInc. under the Special Sci-

She is an associate at Life Vantage Corporation and an entrepreneur at the Optievo Company and Pharma Optima Wellness Drug. Alyssa is a strong woman who accomplished a lot. In her time as president, various projects were successful. Lambat conducted leadership trainings, fund raising

Alengeng’ as momand dad would sometimes call her. Won so many battles in life, struggles were always not enough and storms were too much to endure. And yet here she is now, a very strong woman, a leader, an inspiration to many.

YSA, BEING ISA. YSABEING HERSELF CARING. SELFLESS

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

THE

SUBIC LAMBAT 2023 BOARD

OF DIRECTORS

PUBMAT BY RHEE JHAN GONZALES. CHECK

CentraljoinsUNOlympics

Playing for Area 1 just got bigger, louder, and more exciting.

CAUAYAN City, Isabela Over 150 JCI members of Area 1 took the challenge of playing their sport and win big in the 2023 Unolympics hosted by JCI CauayanBamboo last May20, 2023.

Area Vice President Atty. Lian E. Rimando and all four Regional Vice Presidents were in attendance at the said event to show their support for their bets and representatives and to get the ball rolling for alltheparticipants.

Different ball games both indoor and outdoor were joined by the attendees in pursuit of active lifestyle while displaying talent, physical and mental toughness, sportsmanship and camaraderie.

JCI Central Luzon was hailed champions of the Laro ng Lahi and placed second on Basketball. They landed at third in the table tennis, chess, and badminton category. Its volleyball team on the other hand, snatchedthe fourthspot.

LambatbagsbestJCIWeekphoto

JCI Subic Lambat bags the 2023 Best JCI Week Photo during JCI Philippines’ JCI Week Grand White Party at Okada, Manila.

The photo was taken during Lambat’s project Pista’y Karunungan at Kabataan. The pro-

held a career talks for the school children, taught proper handwashing, distributed hygiene supplies and school bags. The best photo was captioned with “Token of peace and smile from humanity, for humanl age, race, and kind. One smile after

LAMBAT MAHUSAY

Lambatcops3rdinHusayawards

To motivate and engage its Local Organizations in skills development, JCI Philippines Area 1 launched the HUSAY Awards last May 20, 2023 at the Isabela ConventionCenter, Isabela.

Aside from the recognizing the immense efforts and passion of the members and the local organizations in terms of Skills Development, the award is rooted from the desire of the area, led by Area Vice President Lian E. Rimando and the support of Area Skills Development Director BernieM. Pioquinto.

In its first conduct, five (5) Local Organizations stood out in the training field from October 2022 - March2023.

JCI Dagupenas ranked fifth, followed by JCI Dagupan Bangus ranked fourth. JCI Subic Lambat on the other hand placed third and was the only Central Luzon LO to make it in the Husay Awards.

JCI Tuguegarao landed second while JCI Alicia Pagay was recognized as the top performing LO inthesaidawards.

With this, JCI Philippines Area 1 is now looking forward to recognize the top performing Local Organizations in Skills Development from April-June 2023 at the Third Area Council MeetinghappeningthisJuly.

WINNING PHOTO BY RHEE JHAN GONZALES

JOSHUA DE LEON

JERICO TOLEDO

NICKO MATTA

PHOTO COURTESY OF JCI AREA 1 FB PAGE

OpportunitytoImpact:Theopportunityofservingothers

As you read this article, please know that JCI Subic Lambat, just like any JCI chapter, started fromscratch. Fromzero. From the ashes. From absolute nothing.

We barely recognize the time when magic took effect on our local organization.

We cannot fully identify whose names started the memories, the acts of service, this brotherhood, and this change-makingrevolution.

But we, those who started and used to be as guests, as invites, still remember that it took only one JCI function to hook us inthe lifeofgiving moretoothersandtothe road of continuously becoming better: OpportunitytoImpact.

Opportunity to Impact, OTI for short, is Junior Chamber International's orientation for new members. It is every JCI

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

2023VPfor Communicationsand

‘TheLighthouse's’ Editor inChief, Nicko Matta, seizedthe3rdplaceasanoutstanding investigative journalist andranked8thplace asoutstandingcampus journalist asa member ofhisuniversitypublication, The BastionGroupofPublications inthe 3rd LuzonWideAssumptionOutstanding CampusPresscompetitionattheUniversity oftheAssumption, CityofSanFernando, Pampanga, Nov. 28,2022.

Chapter's activity for member recruitment and a welcoming function that introduces the organization to those who wish to becomeapartofit.

And in JCI Subic Lambat, since the coming of the leadership of 2023 LO President Alyssa Claire Hechanova, the chapter has now proudly acquired the commitment of 12 NEWBORNS who will serve and start as Baby Jaycees of Lambat for 2023-2024.

Here are our 2023 Baby Jaycees who will help Lambat remain anchored on its missionofbringingservicetohumanity:

SebastianLacorte

JohnCharlo Delfin

KierbeFortin

JennylynMorillo

Marlo Ceñidoza

Kurt Arconado

JoanneCoronel

John Louie Demillio

Nylen Miu Herrera ReonaElicerio ReylynDegracia

We look forward to working with you! Together let’s make Subic a better place. Together let's create a meaningful impact not only within the community but also intheheartsofourpeople.

Sama-sama nating i-ANGAT ang LAMBAT para sa tagumpay at pagbabagongdama ngLAHAT.

Want to join us? Want to be in a network of young active citizens? Please message us on our Facebook page or approach the nearest JCI Subic Lambat member inyour area.

NICKO MATTA

PUBMAT BY RHEE JHAN GONZALES

HOW IS MAGDA DOING?

THE LIFE OF A

“I used to have an allowance of 50,000 pesos a month, but now I barely have enough money to feed my family.

Those are the words that Magda told me as we sat at a McDonald is a hostess but between her, her boss, and her guests, she iswhat youcallasexworker.

We managed to talk to a hostess who secretly works as a prostitute in one of the bars here in Barretto, Olongapo. For her privacy and protection, we have given her the alias “Magda”, short for Magdalene. Olongapo was notorious for its red-light district but since the Americans left, business hasn’t beenthat strong.

How old are you and how long have you been doing this?I’m twenty-five years old and I’ve been doing this for a decade now. I startedatfifteen.

Do you recall how much your first payout was? Iremember it beingonly300pesos. I was no longer a virgin, so I thought that the price was decent for one night. But looking back, I was duped.

Do you have any benefits or protections on your work? We don’t. We don’t have health benefits, SSS, or retirement funds. We’re not even on a payroll and only get paid cash. We don’t pay any taxes either. But with so little earnings, it’s a benefit to not pay any taxes, right?

Was your life threatened at some point? I once had a drunk guest point a gun on me. Right when I finished the deed, he wouldn’t allow me to leave. I was forced to stay with him throughout the whole night. I broke down crying the next day when I got home, but I wanted to quit but I have nowhere else to go. Nor do I see anyother optiononhowI cansupport myself and myfamily.

What other methods of earning income do you know of? Some girls I know started selling drugs, while others tooktheir work online. They’d set up private live shows for those who canpay.

Magda is only one of the hundreds of sex workers that work in Central Luzon. We cannot blame themfor what theydo because they are only victims of poverty. Since sex work is still illegal in the Philippines, the lives of these women will continue to remain at risk. Their rights are violated on a regular basis and face exploitation. The pandemic has made situations for themevenworse.

Magda believing that COVID-19 is a hoax is proof that our educational system has its flaws. The fact that she has droppedoutofschool at such an early age, and that there are thousands

inthe first place.

The government can actively pursue the sex work industry, create laws and ordinances against prostitution, but without fully addressing the issues behind it then the rate of poverty within the Philippines will continue to arise. In a few years there will be thousands of more people out there like Magda.

Even if all bars get permanently close, people will find ways to earn money. This is evident through Magda’s coworkers who started sellingtheir bodiesusing moderntechnology.

While sex work is considered a taboo, the reality is people are just trying to make a living. Poverty prevents the poor from accessing basic needs such as healthcare, education, and employment.

Human rights should always be considered in development therefore the authorities have to assess the needs of everyone and involvethemintheprocessofdevelopment.

It is a basic human right that the access to these needs should always be available regardless of economic status, age, race, and gender.

It is with great sadness that we inform you that Magda took her life several months after this interview was taken. May she be remembered as a mother who did all that she could to raise her children and feed her family.

Maythisalso beacallfor government authoritiesandthose inpower totakeactionto createprograms thatcanthese people and provide them opportunitiestolive abetter life.

LEE ROBIN BONIFACIO ARTWORK BY CECILIA GRANDI

HAUNTED BY SHOAL

as well as contribute to the nation's food security and economic development, due to the region's rich marine biodiversity and abundant fishpopulations.

In recent years, China's aggressive and illicit activities in the disputed waters, which include the Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc, a large coral reef off the coast of Zambales, have compromised their fishing rights and access to the West Philippine Sea. China has continued to dispatch its own vessels to harass, intimidate, and obstruct Filipino fishermen from entering their traditional fishing grounds, despite the 2016 Hague ruling that confirmed the Philippines' sovereign rights overthearea.

Domingo Dumaran, a 45-year-old resident of San Antonio, Zambales, is among those afflicted. Since the age of 15, he has fished in the Scarborough Shoal, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. He was able to sustain his wife and four children by catching up to 300 kilogramsoffishper voyage.

Additionally, he shared his capture with his neighbors and friends, who would throwafestivityuponhisreturn.

In 2012, however, China seized control of the shoal and prohibited Filipino

fishermen from entering. Dumaran stated that he was expelled by Chinese coast guard ships multiple times, sometimes under threat ofgunfire. He also witnessed the destruction ofcoralreefs and depletionof fishstocks by illicit Chinese fishing techniques, such as dynamite fishing and harvesting of gigantic clams.

"Ang sakit sa puso na makita ang pinagkukunan namin ng kabuhayan na sinisira ng mga dayuhan. Hindi lang kami ang nawalan ng hanapbuhay, pati ang kalikasan ay nasira nila," he said. (It is distressing to see our means of subsistence devastated by immigrants. They not only deprived us of our means of subsistence, but also harmedtheenvironment.)

Since then, Dumaran has been compelled to fish in locations like Masinloc BayandSubicBay.

However, he stated that the capture is not as plentiful and varied as it is in the ScarboroughShoal.

Additionally, he must vie with other fishermen displaced by China's actions. The decline in his income has made it more difficult for him to provide for his family.

"Napakahirap ng buhay namin ngayon. Hindi na sapat ang kinikita namin sa pangingisda para sa pagkain, edukasyon, at iba pang gastusin ng pamilya. Minsan nga wala kaming makain," he said. (Our lives are currently very difficult. Our fishing income is insufficient to cover sustenance, education, and other family expenses.

Occasionally, wehave nothingtoconsume.)

Despite these obstacles, Dumaran stated that he still expects to return to the Scarborough Shoal and resume fishing there one day. As long as he can assert his rights and sovereignty as a Filipino, he stated that he has no fear of China's threats and harassment.

"Ang Scarborough Shoal ay parte ng Pilipinas at karapatan namin ang makapangisda doon. Hindi kami susuko sa laban na ito. Umaasa kami na magkakaroon ng solusyon at hustisya ang gobyerno para saamin," hesaid. (TheScarboroughShoalis a part of the Philippines, and fishing is permitted there. We will not surrender in this battle. We hope the government will findasolutionandprovideuswithjustice.)

Dumaran also urged the forthcoming local election candidates to stand with them and defend their fishing rights in the West Philippine Sea. He stated that they require leaders who will protect their interests and welfare as well as defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the nation.

"Nananawagan kami sa mga kandidato na tumayo kasama namin at ipaglaban ang aming karapatan sa pangingisda sa West Philippine Sea. Kailangan namin ng mga lider na magtatanggol sa amin at sa bansa natin," he said. (We request that the candidates stand with us and defend our fishing rights in the West Philippine Sea. We require leaders who willprotectusandournation.)

NICKO MATTA

PHOTO BY MAHATMA RANDY DATU

PHOTO BY JONATHAN CELLONA

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A PERFECT PLATFORM TO CREATE POSITIVE CHANGE IN YOUR COMMUNITY? CURIOUS ABOUT THE JCI LIFESTYLE?

Joinussometime inAugust, next month, withJCI SubicLambat'sVicePresident for CommunicationandLocalSkills Development Director Nicko Mattaasthelocalorganizationcalls for anOpportunitytoImpact (Orientationfor new members). Detailswillbepostedto JCISubicLambat’sofficialFacebookpagesoon. Seeyouthere!

WANT TO BE OUR PARTNER IN CREATING AN IMPACT?

Youmaycontact 2023LocalOrganizationDeputySecretaryRheonaElicerio and2023ExecutiveVicePresident LeeRobinBonifacio below.

E-mail us at: jcisubiclambat@gmail.com bonnibelbonifacio@gmail.com reonaelicerio@gmail.com

Callortextuson: 09278580702

09175988733