Basilan Jaycees Reactivated

New JCI officers in Lamitan town in Basilan island in the southern Philippines. (Hader Glang)

BASILAN ISLAND (Hader Glang) The Lamitan Jaycees Incorporated, now called Junior Chamber International (JCI), has been reactivated in Basilan island in the southern Philippines to actively participate in nation-building through its continued commitment in the development of the youth into good leaders. This, after 9 years of being dormant.

The JCI chapter in Lamitan elected its new set of officers and held an orientation and seminar for members Dec. 18 at the Nalamar Pavillion in the town. It was conducted by JCI Senator Alex Estabillo, JC Boy Puri, JC Lito Puri and JC Dan Alvaro.

The reactivation was made possible through the efforts of past Lamitan JCI presidents Mayor Roderick Furigay, Rino Pamaran, Efren New, Henry Furigay and Yeng Mateo, said new JCI-Lamitan President Hegem Furigay.

"As the new president of the reactivated JCI-Lamitan, I would like the community, and all, especially the youth, to be involved and help create a positive change in our society," he said.

JCI National Vice President for Western Mindanao Jaime Juanito Rivera said all activities they are undertaking for this year are geared toward training people to become responsible leaders in the community.

JCI is the world's largest leadership development organization representing millions of members in more than 100 countries.

Rivera said the JCI is noted for its annual search for young professionals in the country.

"We consistently hold the annual country-wide search for The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM), The Outstanding Policemen of the Philippines (TOPP), and the Youth Leadership Excellence Award.

"The search is open to everybody who wants to become leaders, both in business and in public service, and other fields of profession."

"It offers immense benefits in terms of professionalism and camaraderie and JCI members acquire and continously refine their leadership skills and in the end would benefit the community. This is what Jaycess all about," he said. (Zamboanga reporter and photojournalist Hader Glang works for the Japanese television network NHK, and writes for several local and international newspapers.)