The Stalwart no 4 Series of 2021

4th Quarter | July to September 2021

JCI Senate Legazpi welcomes fellow JCI Senators from Area 3 for the Senator’s Breakfast at Hotel Sentro Legazpi.

Everyone in Legazpi!

JCI Senate Legazpi hosted breakfast for Senators as Area 3 Jaycees converge in Legazpi for South Luzon Area Conference

An important event during the 41st Southern Luzon Area Conference was the Senator’s Breakfast held last September 4, 2021.

Hosted by JCI Senate Legazpi, the attendees were treated to an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet in the city’s hippest accommodation, Hotel Sentro. Food was catered by no other than known chef, Connie Condeno who prepared a mouthwatering array of viands, rice, pancakes and even coffee.

The breakfast which started at 6am was attended by 12 senators coming from JCI Senate Legazpi, JCI Senate Mayon Tabaco and JCI Senate Naga.

It was a great opportunity to reminisce about past projects and joint work. Good food and good memories always equal a good time.•

Rebulto ni Baltog unveiled.

JCI Legazpi and JCI Senate Legazpi at the unveiling of the 10 foot statue.

Bringing to life Bicolano Myth and Tradition

by JCI Sen. Isabel L. Reynoso On the rainy August 23 afternoon, JCI Senate Legazpi members assembled for a very momentous occasion — the unveiling of Baltog, the city’s first 10 foot tall statue along the Legazpi Boulevard.

What was initially conceptualized by the city to be a small rectangular historical marker was enlarged to epic proportions thanks to JCI

Legazpi’s special brand of creativity and innovation.

Senators and Regular JCI Legazpi members combined brought together 17 stakeholder groups including National Artist for Literature Abdon Balde and multi-awarded sculptor Juanito Bron Napay III to honor the Bicol epic of Ibalong.

The monument which depicts the climactic scene of Baltog killing the impenetrable skinned Tandayag is now the city’s latest tourist offering for locals and visitors to enjoy. Revitalizing the community by making once-forgotten folklore relevant, interesting and significant for generations to come.•

big win for jci legazpi at the annual dangal, including Most Outstanding Senator See story at page 3

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JCI Senators enjoying themselves during the 41st SOLAC Opening

JCI Senator, Mayor Noel Rosal and Area Vice President Abraham Cataquiz welcoming SOLAC delagates to Legazpi City.

JCI Legazpi wins big during the Dangal Awards Night in Marison Hotel.

Everyone in Legazpi indeed for the 41st JCI Southern Luzon Conference hosted by JCI Legazpi.

The Official Quarterly Publication of JCI SENATE LEGAZPI

4th Quarter | July to September 2021

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JCI Legazpi posts big win at the annual Dangal Awards with 22 trophies, including Most Outstanding Senator

by JCI Sen. Isabel L. Reynoso

editorial staff Editor-in-chief

JCI Sen. Luis Bello

Managing Editor

JCI Sen. Mariano Oriel Maddela

Contributors

JCI Sen. Jeanette A. Uy JCI Sen. Isabel L. Reynoso JCI Sen. Richard I. Ong JCI Mem. Annel San Pablo JCI Mem. Joseph Glenn Austero, Jr.

Photographers

JCI Mem. Ian Ruiz Vasquez JCI Mem. Rico Manallo

Layout & Design

JCI Mem. Kaloi Garcia

September 4, 2021 was an exceptional evening for our regular chapter, JCI Legazpi, as they bagged 16 Dangal Awards and 6 Merit trophies during the Dangal Awards Night held in Marison Hotel, Legazpi City.

the Bid Title “O.M.G.! Fresh O sa Senado”, Sen. Oriel’s unique way of mentoring and guiding our regular members was put on centerstage.

The bid highlighted his contributions to the JCI movement spanning almost 20 years.

Notable to mention is when JCI Senate Legazpi’s very own secretary general Sen. Mariano Oriel Maddela won the coveted Most Outstanding Senator Award. With

Our achievements and that of JCI Legazpi have shown that the future indeed looks bright as we “Move Forward” in this new normal. •

4 ing off with the JCI Senator’s breakfast, hosted by JCI Senate Legazpi through the leadership of JCI Senator Junie Bordeos, 2021 JCI Senate Legazpi President. The JCI Senator’s breakfast was held at the Hotel Sentro and participated by JCI Senators from other chapters as well.

JCI Legazpi Successfully Hosted First Ever Hybrid SOLAC 2021 JCI Senator Richard Ong, 2016 JCI Legazpi President hailed to lead this year’s Area Conference as SOLAC Director

by JCI Mem. Joseph Glenn C. Austero, Jr.

After more than a decade, JCI Legazpi once again, was given the chance to host the 41st Southern Luzon Area Conference in this city. The theme for this year, Every One in Legazpi, espouses the concept of solidarity and being together to bring forth a common goal and a convergence of ideas and advocacies especially during a time all of us are battling a global pandemic. While we are all moving toward recovery, JCI Philippines and JCI Legazpi saw an opportunity of getting like-minded persons to still pursue the thrusts of the organization and further its causes through these kinds of activities.

JCI Senator Richard I. Ong, 2016 JCI Legazpi President and also member of JCI Senate Legazpi, accepted the challenge to lead the conference as SOLAC Director. Though he knows this responsibility is too big to handle, his training in JCI and his drive to pursue the chapter’s goals, enabled him to grab the opportunity of leadership.

“When the possible hosting of SOLAC was conceived back in 2019, we already knew that this would be big. We never expected that the pandemic would hit and we got pushed back in 2020. But we came out strong in 2021 and re-established our intention to host this SOLAC. And we did,” quipped Ong. Of course, the hosting came in with a lot of adjustments - from creating a protocol team, to making sure that the venues are safe, to screening all participants. All par-

ticipants were required to take an antigen test and must undergo the procedure set by the City. All in all, there were about 20 participants from outside Bicol Region - all tested negative and fully vaccinated and 130 more from within JCI Legazpi and Bicol JCI Chapters.

Being hybrid, all activities were also attended virtually by other Area 3 members through Facebook Live and Zoom. More than 500 members were able to join in the Facebook group intended for this SOLAC. Festive Opening Night The first day highlights the opening night.

This is usually a time when participants expect to greet each other. The registration & check in started at 8 in the morning and there was a city tour arranged for the guests.

The opening night was graced by the presence of no other than JCI Sen. Mayor Noel E. Rosal & the national board officers with 2021 National Executive Vice President John Glenn Lee & 2021 Immediate Past National President Mark Joseph David.

Other activities that happened during the opening night were the Search for Mr. & Ms. SOLAC - participated by contingents from other JCI chapters of Area 3 virtually, and the JCI Got Talent - where JCI Members showcased their talents.

Second Day & the Dangal The second day was a full packed day. Start-

A training was also conducted at the Casablanca Convention Hall with Mondi Germinal, 2018 JCI Imus Wagayway President as the head trainer. This was attended by more than 20 JCI Members. Concurrently, though virtually, the finals of the Public Speaking Competition was also held and eventually, JCI Legazpi bagged the championship with Kevin Luz representing the chapter.

The Dangal Awards was held in The Marison Hotel. Similarly, this was telecast live via Facebook Live and Zoom. At the end of the program, chapters and individuals were recognized for their outstanding contribution to the endeavours and thrusts of JCI Philippines. JCI Legazpi on the other hand received 16 Dangal Trophies and 6 Merit Awards - a testament to the hard work of the chapter through the leadership of 2021 JCI Legazpi President Johnson T. Uy. “The hard work of every JCI Legazpi member paved the way for all these. It is always a group effort and I thank everyone for giving all their best, despite the odds, so we can still help our communities and improve ourselves,” Uy said.

Success!

It was a success indeed. Despite the obstacles, JCI Legazpi still pushed through with the hosting of the 41st Southern Luzon Area Conference. JCI Senator Richard I. Ong, extended congratulations and thanks to everyone who took part and made sacrifices for the success of this conference. With all health protocols strictly observed and followed, no case of transmission has been reported during and after the events - an even good news for the host and the participants.

The Official Quarterly Publication of JCI SENATE LEGAZPI

4th Quarter | July to September 2021

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A Starry Night to Remember

by JCI Sen. Isabel L. Reynoso

Perhaps the most awaited event of any Area Conference is the Awards Night. And for Area 3 the preparation and promotion leading to the Dangal Night was no exception.

Despite the pandemic complications, delegates from the different South Luzon regions converged in Marison Hotel last September 3, 2021 to celebrate their triumphs with the theme starry night. Important guests in attendance were 2020 National President Mark Joseph David, 2020 National President Jude Acidre (virtual) and our very

own future National President, NEVP John Glenn Lee. As Area Awards Chair Isabel Reynoso welcomed both physical and virtual attendees, she also unveiled the first-ever merit trophy. The trophy, crafted by local artisans, was presented to honor out-ofthe-box projects that deserved more than our usual certificate.

As the culmination of all the hard work, initiative and resiliency showcased by the Southern Luzon Chapters, a total of 173 bids were submitted by the area. These bids displayed the concrete response of how our area rose to the challenge of developing leaders for a changing

world.

That evening JCI Legazpi, host chapter, also took home a whopping 16 Dangal Awards and 6 Merit Trophies besting 21 other participating chapters area-wide. Truly, Pres. Johnson’s vision of “Move Forward” has propelled JCI Legazpi to remarkable heights.

A truly memorable and exceptional evening, things came to a close way beyond midnight.

Congratulations to all winners, and more luck to you in the coming National Convention. •

DANGAL AWARDS by the Numbers

Bids submitted Chapters 173 Total 42 Awards 60 Judges from Area 3 Categories 22

face to face area training conducted after almost 2 years

by JCI Sen. Jeanette A. Uy

When pandemic hit in March 2020, the whole JCI community struggled to adapt in the new normal by conducting trainings virtually. This went on until late this year. And Area 3 trainings, branded collectively as UNITE (Utilizing New and Impactful Trainings for Empowerment) were no exceptions to this.

While online trainings have their own advantages, such as least costly and safest, they have drawbacks too. Examples of which are minimal interaction and unstable internet connection. However, with so many online skills development offerings and not wanting to settle with another virtual training, Area 3 Skills Development Director (ASDD) Jeanette Uy boldly endeavored to make the 16th area training of Area 3 face-to-face last September 4, 2021 at Casablanca Hotel, Legazpi City during the 41st Southern Luzon Area Conference (SOLAC)

hosted by JCI Legazpi.

Dubbed as PowerShop, the 4-hour training, facilitated by 2020 Area 3 Secretary Raymund Germinal (ASec Mondi), focused on a mix of interactive discussions and team-building activities aimed at empowering the participants to become resilient leaders and helping them build resilient teams in the post-pandemic world. The self-made module crafted in less than a month by ASec Mondi, is Area 3’s answer to the most pressing needs of enterprising young lead-

ers envisioned by the JCI movement to RISE (Rebuild Invest Sustain and Evolve) above the pandemic.

Thirty participants from regions of Cavite, Laguna, Southern Tagalog and Bicol experienced the fun and interaction of a physical training after almost 2 years of online trainings. More importantly they learned to be more irrepressible and flexible in their leadership styles and qualities during the pandemic and thereafter.

With this initiative, it is hoped that JCI chapters will soon conduct their trainings in the conventional way, whenever community risk classifications in their areas permit. •

6 First National President from JCI Legazpi

JCI Sen. John Glenn Lee

John Glenn Lee has constantly transformed and shaped himself from the mold made from the ideals of JCI. From the year 2005 when he entered the JCI organization through JCI Legazpi, JGL, as he is fondly referred to by close friends and colleagues, embraced the constant changes and swayed with the dexterity and resilience of the bamboo plant.

He credits this resilience not to his financial and political capacity, but to his innate optimism – “If something cannot be changed, then it is what it is. But more than the fatalistic belief that something cannot be changed, there are things that are changeable that, even if resulting in an end that is not the goal, may create an outcome more beneficial than what it could have been had we not done anything”. He further adds,” Those things that we can change may be on our personality, our outlook. I, we, must believe that things can be better.

It may not be the best,” JGL jests, “but we, as a group, can do something meaningful and impactful enough to prevent what could be the worst.”

just by some but by many. And appreciating the potential of a ripple effect whose strength is magnified with every person it touches, JGL flourished within the folds of JCI. Taking up various positions of leadership before finally becoming elected as the Local Organization President in 2015; Regional Vice President in 2019; Area Vice President in 2020; and now the 2021 National Executive Vice President, his personal growth is reflected by his local organization, and the other local organizations under his leadership, that are recognized as consistent contenders for awards on the regional, area and national levels.

Stemming from a childhood in a successful, business-inclined, family- JGL saw firsthand, and was trained to create innovations that benefit the people and the establishments in the industries he and his family are part of. With the stream of paradigm shifts brought by the changing times, developing technologies, and the everchanging political and economic landscapes, this training of having contingencies – multiple backup plans, adjusted forecasts, conservative estimations – with a goal to simply make things better are characteristics that are made even more potent with the trainings and experiences brought

by JCI. “I entered JCI simply because I was gone from Legazpi for a while and upon returning, I needed friends. But I did not expect that the organization would offer me more than that. The compatibility of ideals, the like-mindedness of the people, these are a few of the most important from the many, many things that are the reasons why I grew with the organization and why I am still here.”

“Looking back, there never was a plan. Or intent, that I will get to any position that is beyond that of a local organization president.”

JGL reminisced. “But like the programs and projects that we implement in JCI, as long as we follow the correct process, one way or another, the project takes care of itself – it makes the connections it needs, becomes bigger than originally intended, and we create impacts that we could never have dreamed of. I would like to think that my path in my JCI career is something like that. And I am forever grateful to the people who are part of this journey – from PP Rico

With much of the innovation and problem-solving that reshapes the world coming from the private sector, it is inspiring knowing that one’s drive to create positive change, or active citizenship, is shared not

Salazar who invited me, upon recommendation of my brother PP Jerome Lee, to become part of JCI Legazpi; to the members of my chapters who supported me everytime, all the time; to the Jaycees from the region, the area, the national board, and the international members I have met throughout this journey.

Each and everyone is a connection that I needed in order to create a meaningful impact.”

JGL’s office is prominently adorned with trophies, certificates, plaques and other mementos of his personal and professional life. Conspicuously displayed, along with these is a row of humble, unassuming, white coffee mugs.

These mugs, bearing the words ‘University of Leaders’, are a vestige of his term as an LO president. And despite him reaching the national leadership of an international organization, JGL kept these tokens as they were originally placed; and in the process, shows his utmost respect to his roots – and to the values and ideals that are part of it. “We must always come back to where we are from. After everything we do in whatever career we pursue, we will only have one home and one family. No matter how busy we become in whatever part of the world we go, it is important that we remain to take care of where we are from. That’s why it is important that just as we rise to meet our personal, challenges; so too must we rise to meet the challenges faced by the communities our family, our home will always be a part of.”•

The Official Quarterly Publication of JCI SENATE LEGAZPI

4th Quarter | July to September 2021

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JCI Sen. Noel E. Rosal, City Mayor of Legazpi, welcomes the SOLAC delegates and guests during the Mayor’s Night.

Mayor’s Night

Dagos Tabi sa Legazpi!

by JCI Sen. Jeanette A. Uy JCI Senator Noel Rosal, also the mayor of Legazpi City, was all-out in his support as JCI Legazpi hosted this year’s 41st Southern Luzon Area Conference (SOLAC) with the theme: EveryONE in Legazpi. He sponsored the opening night, dubbed as Mayor’s Night: Dagos Tabi sa Legazpi.

Sen. Noel delivered his Open- such as Bamboo Legazpi, ing Remarks to a hundred PH12 Korean Grill and 1st regular and JCI senators from Colonial Grill. Moreover, the regions of Cavite, Laguna, tour activities such as ATV Southern Tagalog and Bicol. rides were provided to the He proudly welcomed the del- delegates. egates to the City of Fun and Adventure and showcased the More than just a mere sponprovince’s tourist spots and out- sorship of an event, the Maystanding efforts in implement- or’s Night served as a springing health protocols to keep the board to slowly opening Legazpi City to tourists outside the Bicol guests safe and secure. region, without compromising

Hosting the event boosted the health and safety. This is the lolocal tourism industry as cal government’s answer to rise guests were given free city above the pandemic by reviving tours to Legazpi’s iconic des- the tourism industry, eliminattinations such as Cagsawa ing unemployment and improvRuins, Legazpi Boulevard ing the overall economic status and Museo de Legazpi. They of the city. were also treated to a wide array of Bicolano food in the Truly, Dagos Tabi sa Legazpi city’s numerous restaurants (Welcome to Legazpi)!•

JCI Sen Oriel Maddela (middle) receives the Dangal Award for Most Outstanding Senator together with JCI Legazpi Inc President Johnson Uy and EVP LA Fariñas

Mariano Oriel Maddela named Most Outstanding JCI Senator for area 3

by JCI Mem. Annel San Pablo JCI Senator Mariano Oriel ground, while making sure Maddela was named Most Out- safety nets are in place against standing JCI Senator during the Covid-19. On top of his work as SOLAC held last September 4, a public servant, he continued to push the JCI Legazpi and JCI 2021 in Legazpi City.

Senate Legazpi in nation buildThe Most Outstanding JCI ing efforts towards a better norSenator Award is conferred in mal for all. recognition of outstanding personal contribution and achieve- JCI Sen. Oriel bested other ment of a JCI Senator whose nominees from different activities during the current JCI regions including JCI Daet Buaward year and since becoming lawan’s Sen Gigi Carranceja, JCI a Senator have furthered the in- Puerto Princesa’s Rey Raffols and JCI Lipa’s Mark Manalo, terest of the JCI movement. who won the Merit Award. The Staying relevant during this awarding was held last Septempandemic, Sen. Oriel was able ber – in Legazpi City, attended to provide timely solutions by JCI members from all over to pressing problems on the South Luzon.•

4th Quarter | July to September 2021

Dr. Gillego nominated for outstanding fil physician bid The Junior Chamber Senate of Legazpi approved the nomination of Dr. Fulbert Alec R. Gillego, RMT, MD, MSP, the City Health Officer-II/CGDH-II of Legazpi City to the 2021 Search for The Outstanding Filipino Physicians (TOFP). President Cezar T. Bordeos Jr. appointed Sen. Luis P. Bello and Sen. Mariano Oriel A. Maddela to lead all preparations of the nominees’ bid for the nations top award for Filipino Physicians.

Just before typhoon Reming devastated the city in 2006, Dr. Gillego became the City Health Officer of Legazpi City. He immediately lobbied for the increased benefits and incentives and the creation of vital health positions which today has contributed to significant number of additional health workers to provide more health services in the community. This led to implementation of Magna Carta for health workers, and equalization of salary grades of divisions and sections.

A Summa Cum Laude graduate of AMEC. Dr. Gillego is an academic achiever since elementary and towards acquiring his degree in medicine has been bestowed with the highest awards and recognitions.

He has manifested his compassion and dedication as well as patriotism for staying in the country to serve the community. He has convinced many young students to study and work in the country as a member of the teaching staff of the Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) of the Ago-Medical Educational Center-Bicol Christian College of Medicine (AMEC-BCCM) since 2014. This year he has moved up to become a part-time Associate Professor in AMECs’ Post Graduate School.

Dr. Gillego is first and foremost a medical doctor to the barrios of Legazpi City. His professional ethical conduct and best practices, leadership in the community, high personal integrity and self-service has transformed the City Health to make Legazpi City, among many awards - the best Livable City in 2016.

This is the first nominee of the JCI Senate Legazpi in the national Flagship program Search for the Outstanding Filipino Physician by the JCI Senate Philippines headed this year by the organization\s first Bicolano president, National President, JCI Senator Greg A. Lipa also of the local chapter of Legazpi.

(Top) Sen. Jeanette proudly supports the application of her Yaya Lalaine of 6.5 years for Kasambahay Kasambuhay (Below) JCI Senate Legazpi joined the launching of Kasambahay Kasambuhay via Zoom.