UNTOLD STORY OF JCI
The Story of The Junior Chamber of Makati Inc. was conceived during an organizational meeting at the La Castallana Restaurant in December of 1963 wherein Jose Luis Abad of Caloocan Jaycees envisioned the birth of another chapter. With this idea, a membership of fifty dynamic young bloods from different walks of life thru the leadership of Marcos B. Aragon marked the birth of the Junior Chamber of Makati commonly known as the MAKATI JAYCEES on March 14, 1964. The municipality of Makati was a potentially thriving community, businesses and commercial district, movie houses, malls, residential and commercial condominiums were on the rise. During Its maiden year, exciting projects were started by the charter members. A cultural activity was the most viable project to embark on since most of the projects at that time were non-cultural, in an effort to unite the different ballet companies and promote cultural growth, through “Ballet Philippines”, the Makati Jaycees wholly sponsored two gala performances at the Rizal Theater in April 1964. This project awarded a special award at the Naga National Convention in September 1964. Makati Jaycees will always be daring, and extraordinary, enjoying the Convention; the chapter toyed with the idea of making fun out of their uniform. Efforts paid off as the Makati Jaycees was awarded the most unique uniform. It was also during this year that Cesar Yatco was elected National Auditor of the Philippine Jaycees, Inc. 1965 was marked by a constant change in the Top Leadership. Emmanuel Tan, the second President, died in a tragic automobile accident on the eve of the formal inauguration of the “San Antonio Park Project”. Immediately Jose Luis Abad took over the reigns of the presidency up to September 1965 when a change of job took him to Cebu City, Philippines. Since then, Jose Barredo, Jr. rose to the occasion and took over to lead Makati Jaycees. Bb. Plilipinas Contest is a brainchild of the Makati Jaycees. One of its members happened to be connected with Amading Araneta which happens to be connected with the Miss Universe Beauty Contest. Though they do not have the right channels to gather contestant nationwide, teachers and parents would even make their problem worse, since beauty contests are not an attraction at that time. For the love of women, Makati Jaycees harnessed the entire Philippine Jaycee Organization to come up with an extensive plan to attract beautiful ladies from the entire archipelago to compete for the Bb. Pilipinas title. Shortly the Lions Club took over, Miss Gloria Diaz was crowned Miss Universe. In an unprecedented move The 7th Luzon Area Conference was hosted by the Makati Jaycees in 1966, proving its success more than 700 Jaycees from Luzon had supported the annual conference, a huge number of attendees that time. Makati Jaycees cannot be denied as Cezar Yatco and Jose Barredo, Jr. was elected as National Auditor and National Secretary respectively in the Iloilo National Convention. In addition, as Makati Jaycees played an active in the field of leadership development it was during the presidency of Carmelo Gomez in 1966 that Jose Barredo, Jr. won the presidency of Philippine Jaycees, Inc. As Wilfredo Labayen took over in 1967, the second tenet of the Jaycee creed was best exemplified as sisterhood pact was made with the Kashiwara (Japan) Jaycees. During this year, the project “Operation Share” was conceptualized, A brain-child of Manuel G. Hechanova an ophthalmologist by profession. It is a training program for blind sweepstakes vendor to become expert masseurs. Research proves that physically impaired people develop other senses, learning so; Makati Jaycees requested the assistance of The Social Welfare Office to provide the trainees, while an expert masseur from Coronado Lanes provided the training. As a fitting finale, Makati Jaycees provided their gainful employment at the Elks Club, and at the Sheraton (now Hyatt) Hotel. This project awarded its first International Award of the Makati Jaycees – Japan JC Award for Humanitarian Assistance and the Aurelio Periquet for Humanitarian Assistance from the Philippine Jaycees, Inc. 1968 marked the presidency of Manuel G. Hechanova, Jr., A year when the Makati Jaycees provided a free legal service to the community. The project LACOM – Legal Aid Clinic of Makati was awarded for Government Affairs for the successful promotion of the project LACOM – Legal Aid Clinic of Makati. It was also the year that Cesar Yatco and Rolly Estrella became National Chairman of the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) and Ten Outstanding Policeman of the Philippines (TOPP). The story of the National Mental Hospital and the Makati Jaycees began with a priest named Fr. Bob Garon, he was instrumental in opening the eyes of the Makati Jaycees of what is reality. He approached Marcos B. Aragon and started telling his frustrations with civic organization. He then showed pictures of the National Mental Hospital, it was murky and unsanitary, unfit for living condition. Through these Makati Jaycees became a partner in its development. As Jesus U. Suntay took over the presidency in 1969, chapter made a bold move in providing support to the National Mental hospital. Audit reports by SGV Group showed that the Hospital Officials were found to be misusing government funds and donations. To get rid of graft and corruption the Makati Jaycees asked support from the First Lady Imelda R. Marcos. In view of this, the Director of the National Mental Hospital was fired. As Makati Jaycees went to work, old clothes and medicine were provided and beautification was started. Through these efforts the Makati Jaycees gained the California Golden State Award in Humanitarian Assistance at the Trinidad JCI World Congress. The 70′s The presidency of Cesar Yatco in 1970 marked another milestone of the Makati Jaycees as the chapter plays host to the XXII Philippine Jaycees Inc. National Convention on September 30 – October 4 at the Hotel Inter-Continental Manila with His Excellency Ferdinand E. Marcos as its Guest Speaker. It also marked as the first and only computerized elections in JCP History through the able leadership of its convention chairman Eddie De Leon. As “Operation HOPE” (Health and Opportunity for People everywhere) commenced, it thrust was to provide X-rays to the Makati Barrios. In addition, through the unwavering support of the Ayala Corporation and efforts of Art Mendoza and Buddy Gomez of Capitol Jaycees leased to the Makati Jaycees a 2,200 square meter land to be the “Palanan Park Project” to serve as playground of the underprivileged children. With the income generated from the hosting of the Nation Convention – The Makati Jaycees finally found its own clubhouse, a 100 square meter lot at the Barangay arcade in Reposo St., Makati City. As Makati Jaycees supports the national government in its trust of promoting the Filipino ingenuity, The Makati Jaycees and a Ronnie Pasola – the inventor of the board game “Games of the General” conceptualized the London – Manila Express. Ronnie knew what opportunity he is facing ahead as soon as the assemblers of Volkswagen became his clients in the advertising industry. Wasting no time Ronnie Pasola and the Jaycees made an attempt to design a Filipino car, and what a successful attempt it was. Record show that SAKBAYAN (apparently derived from the Phrase – Sasakyan ng Bayan), became the first All-Filipino car. To test its endurance, “London – Manila Express” came to be, to tell the world that YES! THE FILIPINO CAN! To promote goodwill among people of the world, the leadership of Rodolfo G. Granados in 1971 marked the renewal of sisterhood pacts with Kashiwara (Osaka) Jaycees, and the sisterhood pacts between Tachikawa (Tokyo) Jaycees and Island (Hongkong) Jaycees. Not withstanding the realization of were students and activists ruled the street and the declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines, the Makati Jaycees continued to re-live the reason of being a Jaycee. As calamities aroused in Central Luzon, the “Operation Saklolo Production Center” and “Operation Lipat” to assist in the relocation of squatters along South Super Hi-way near Buendia Avenue were mobilized. Unknown to many, the Hakbang ng Bayan or commonly known as the Alay Lakad is a brainchild of the Makati Jaycees. Impressing the former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos, the project pioneered during the term of Felecito C. Payumo in 1972, became a forerunner of many similar fund-raising activities and adopted by the National Government. Due to its success, the Makati Jaycees was awarded as the “Most Outstanding LOM of the Philippines” – Ramon Del Rosario Award, “Most Outstanding Public Relations Award of the Philippines” and “Most Outstanding Project in Extension”. The First student exchange program embarked by the Makati Jaycees took place in 1973 during the term of Claude Edwin A. Andrews. A group composed of 33 students together with Island (Hongkong) Jaycees was on study tour in the Philippines. Through the efforts, this Project was awarded the “Jose Dela Rosa Award” for International Relations and Promotion of International Goodwill. It also marked brotherhood pacts with Fil-Am (San Franciso) Jaycees and the Cholon (South Vietnam) Jaycees. To promote the Arts, the Makati Jaycees, Kashiwara (Osaka) Jaycees, Tachikawa (Tokyo) Jaycees in cooperation with the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Art Educators Association launched the Children Art Exchange. As a fitting finale of a great year, the Makati Jaycees won the “California Golden State Award” in the Nice JCI World Congress. As a Christian nation, it is but proper for couples to be given the blessing of the Lord. Having this thought in mind the project “Kasalang Bayan” – a mass ecumenical wedding in Folk Arts Theatre was launched in 1975 during the term of Antonio Gomez. A much celebrated affair attended by 492 couples, it caused great media coverage story from Television, radio and even leading newspapers. Having been successful, the project was awarded as the “Most Outstanding Public Relations Award” at the National Convention and Certificate of Merit at the JCI World Congress. Makati Jaycees has a green thumb. Being so, having the love for agriculture, the chapter embarked on the project “Brotherhood Vine” – a grape planting activity during the term of Vicente J. Carlos in 1976. Incidentally, Frank Yulo, Jr. was elected as the National Treasurer of the Philippine Jaycees, Inc. during the Olongapo National Convention. As the year 1977 unfolded, it also marked the birth of great projects initiated by The Makati Jaycees. It was during the leadership of Franciso C. Ramos sponsored the Ten Outstanding Students of Makati (TOSM) in cooperation with the Makati Trade and Tourism Center of the Local Government of Makati. It aims to provide recognition to outstanding students of Makati (5 form public school and 5 private school students) having successfully showed their skills and intelligence in a very grueling and demanding selection process. To date, after 28 seasons, the TOSM has produced many leaders through this endeavor, to name a few (cite winners who have been successful). The Makati Jaycees also sponsored the “T-Shirt Revelation ’77″ The first T-Shirt congress of the world. These marked promoting the use of T-Shirts. It was the time when a fashion show was held dubbed as “Christian … 17 Years Later” and five (5) brand-new cars raffled off. Using the funds collected the Makati Jaycees uplifted the living conditions of depressed area in Makati, National Mental Hospital and the Traffic Division the Makati Police Station as uniforms and medicines were donated and successfully implementing a vocational training programs. “Service to humanity … best work of life” the last tenet of the Jaycee Creed but the first in the list of programs during the term of Francis Hugo in 1978. A year when the “Ang Kalusugan… Ay Kayaman” project which puts emphasis on health education program of the Philippine Tuberculosis Society. Free medical services were also provided to the Barangay San Isidro and Palanan in Makati. Realizing the need to reach out to other Jaycee chapter’s, The Makati Jaycees signed sisterhood pacts with Brifith (Astralia) Jaycees, Oslo (Norway) Jaycees and Las Vegas (US) Jaycees. With this in hand, the chapter hosted a Hospitality Night for some 600 foreign and local delegates to the Congress. 1979 was a year when the induction of Victor O. Ramos coincides with the chapter’s 15th Anniversary. An entertainment show was arranged by Sergio O. Valencia with the support by the country’s top showbiz personalities, making a well-attended induction during that time. In addition, some members of Makati Jaycees was recognized in the National and Local scene, Victor O. Ramos, the 1979 president was appointed member of the JCI awards committee in Hong Kong and Robert F. Kuan was awarded as the JCI President’s Award for Active Participation. The chapter continued its heart-warming services to humanity by launching the “Pamaskong Handog sa Kabataan” – a gift giving event to the less-fortunate children and the “Bo. Singkamas Dental Care Project” – a free dental services activity. The 80′s The dawn of the eighties was marked with the birth of a newchapter and records were set. The year the chapter endorsed the formation and the chartering of a lady chapter for Makati – The Makati Urduja Jaycees. This was meant to provide representation in the Jaycee movement of the numerous career women in the premier business district in the Philippines. Come 1980, under the leadership of Victor L. Quimson, the Makati Uruja Jaycees was formally organized. Under the helm of Robert F. Kuan in 1981, the Makati Jaycees again maintained its links to other International Jaycee chapters as sisterhood pacts were signed with West Seoul (Korea) Jaycees. In connection with these efforts, the chapter sponsored the “Blood Brother’s” Project in cooperation with sister chapter’s Island (Hong Kong) Jaycees and the Kashiwara (Japan) Jaycees – a project which was unanimously accorded as an outstanding project which best exemplifies the 2nd Tenet of the Jaycee Creed – Brotherhood of Men Transcends to the Sovereignty of Nations. It has also sponsored the Miss Young International Beauty Caravan Dinner Show to promote the chapter’s trust in love for the arts. In addition, it was during this year that Makati Jaycees has participated with the project of the National Government when a massive tree planting project was organized. Having the theme Internal Growth in mind, Sergio Valencia immediately worked together with his board. In the year 1982, the first “BJ and the beer” was launched. A fellowship party was held to promote camaraderie among the Baby Jaycees and the other members of the chapter. Contributing its success was the hosting of Comedian Gary Lising and Tessie Tomas. Finding the need to promote Jayceesm in the High School level, The Makati Junior Jaycees was organized with the support of the 1982 winners of the Ten Outstanding Students of Makati (TOSM). Being fathers and/or brothers, and in the spirit of Father’s Day the Makati Jaycees adopted for two days, 32 orphan boys from Hospicio de San Jose and camped out in Tagaytay City, Philippines. This project named “Jaycee and Son” was awarded the “Most Outstanding Humanitarian Project”. In view of the unwavering support of the Makati Jaycees, the chapter made a courtesy call on his Excellency Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos in March 1982. This marked another milestone in the Jaycee community as it marked the first time the President received a delegation from a local Jaycee chapter. 1983 was a year of abundant blessings under the Leadership of German P. Palabyab. The chapter once again proved to be a prime mover in the Jaycee community gaining numerous Major awards for the chapter. As the year ended, the chapter was awarded the California Golden State Award in the Taipei World Congress. Commemorating the 20th Anniversary in 1984, Leopolodo San Buenaventura celebrated it with a Medical Mission in Mayon and the Jaycee and Son as part of the Jaycee week. As Crispin Dy’s turn to take a shot at the presidency of Makati Jaycees in 1985, it was a time when the era of learning and creating new twists. True to its trust of promoting the chapter through active participation in the National and International level, the chapter proved to be victorious. As a fitting finale, Crispin Dy, Jr.’s term ended by being the National Vice President for the Metropolitan South Region in 1986. The Makati Jaycees also had a share of alarming stories. It was during this year that when the Gerardo Sevilla was elected after a hotly contested election at the Manila Polo Club which resulted to the losing party’s resignation led by Chito Borromeo in 1986. Unfazed by the events, the chapter undertook revitalization by conducting in-house seminars and projects in the community. After a careful study of the Constitution and by-laws, Constitutional Amendments were made to strengthen the needs of the chapter, community and the membership. Makati Jaycees reached out to other local chapter extending its arms for sisterhood agreements. Together with Tacloban Jaycees, Cebu Jaycees, Ormoc Jaycees, Sagay Jaycees, Lipa Jaycees, Danao Jaycees, Pagadian Jaycees, Davao Jaycees, Surigao Jaycees, Las Piñas Jaycees and Sampaguita Jaycees signed agreements to further extend goodwill. Over the years, the chapter’s senior members are still active and maintain their link with the movement and a good number have acquired honorary membership as JCI Senators. In this regard, the Makati Jaycees Senate Foundation, Inc. was formally incorporated with Cesar G. Yatco as its President. 1986 can be best be remembers to be a year of achievements internally and through the citation and awards it has garnered. Great Trainers, one of the many description Makati Jaycees is known for. Having a president, who is a 1987 Chairman of the Philippine Jaycees Trainers Circle now known as the National Trainers Council, steered the chapter in actively supporting national Project. Wilfredo L. Segovia steered the chapter into greater heights as it proved to marked history as the year when Makati Jaycees acquired numerous including the Most Outstanding LOM President of the World in the World Congress. Following an impressing year, Erik Dennis C. Pueo in 1988 found the need to clean up the membership roster, In some cases, some of which are inactive or might migrated to other places. Through the assistance of the board, fund raising activities where done to finance various civic oriented project and to the hosting of the 8th Metropolitan Area Conference in Makati Sports Club. Coinciding to its success, the Makati Jaycees made waves in the International and National Level as Past President Sergio O. Valencia won as JCI Vice President. The 90′s The 90’s is a decade of change, renewal and a youthful vision – a high level Public Service and servant leadership. In this regard, Makati Jaycees are again cited as leaders that would shape the future of the Jaycees in the Philippines as Past President JCI Sen. Crispin C. Dy, Jr. was elected as Philippine Jaycees, Inc. National President in 1991. Makati Jaycees under the leadership of Eladio Sta. Maria Jr. took center stage and become host to one of the exciting events in Asia, the 17th Asia Tourism Promotion Symposium in Hotel Nikko Manila Garden now Dusit Hotel. It is a gathering of five sister chapters from five countries, namely Hong Kong, Taipei Korea and the Philippines which aims to promote tourism, attracting foreign investors and foster camaraderie. With the Assistance of the Makati Senate Foundation, Inc. the Makati Jaycees donated to the Municipality of Makati an automobile and a garbage truck from our sister chapter Kashiwara (Japan) Jaycees. All efforts paid off as The Makati Jaycees was reaped numerous awards including the No.1 post in the Philippine Jaycees, Inc. National Efficiency Ranking. Ushering a new set of leaders, the quality of leadership was clearly manifested when Makati Jaycees produced the 5th Filipino JCI World President; our very own Crispin C. Dy, Jr. the 1991 Philippine Jaycee President and the 1995 Makati Jaycees takes world leadership with his theme “Anchored by Our Creed”. The New Millennium Makati Jaycees will never be denied of prestige and recognition, as leaders in their own right Past Presidents Fellicito C. Payumo (1972) and Roberto F. Kuan(1981) became awardees of the 2003 Ten Outstanding Filipino Award. In addition, Past President Sergio O. Valencia (1982) unanimously won the presidency of the Philippine Jaycee Senate that same year. As Makati Jaycees turns 40 and gears towards a new dimension in its Jaycee existence, it would continue to pursue determination and leadership excellence and the realization to be firmly rooted to our creed. |
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