Premier JCI Senate Chapter of the Philippines holds its 48th Induction of Officers and Turnover Ceremonies

THE YEAR was 1971, where a group of highly accomplished elders of the JCI organization met and convened to create the JCI Senate Chapter in Davao City to provide invaluable support to the Davao community and guide its younger counterparts in the propagation of the JCI movement in the southern part of the country. Armed with determination, hopeful spirit and headed by its Charter President, the late Ambassador Ramon “Monet” Tirol and ably assisted by DCCCI Past President Jose Custodio and other notable JCI Senators of Davao City, this upstart group grew to become what is now known as “JCI Senate Davao”, of which members are awarded the title of “JCI Senator”, an honor that is coveted and bestowed to those select few who have exemplified leadership excellence and unquestionable dedication and commitment to the JCI Organization.

2018 Pres. Ley Tarrazona receives her award and official entry to the elite Chairman’s Circle of the Philippine Jaycee Senate Foundation (PJSF).

Taking the cue from its earliest predecessors, the members of JCI Senate Davao maintained its thrust to provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive and meaningful change. The proud heritage of this organization has been clearly evident through the many successful individuals it has produced. Secretary Jesus “Jess” Dureza, City Vice Mayor Bernard Al-ag, Congressman Karlo Nograles, former House Speaker Boy Nograles, former Governor Rodolfo Del Rosario, and former Vice Mayor Louie Bonguyan, just to name a few. These and all, testaments to the strong brand of inspired leadership that the chapter has imparted to its members and the community, our city couldn’t ask for anything more.

2017 Pres. Toto Mabaquiao hands out his Annual Major Awards.

Forty-eight years later, the new set of JCI Senate Davao Board of Directors headed by its 2018 President JCI Senator Edeley Tarrazona will further strengthen the unbroken line of leadership succession through a symbolic Turnover Ceremony conducted by 2017 President Jesus “Toto” Mabaquiao. The Vegas-themed Annual Induction event was graced by the National organization’s luminaries headed by JCI Senate Philippines National President, JCI Sen. Apollo “Cocoy” Enriquez, Philippine Jaycee Senate Foundation Chairman JCI Sen. Victor Yu, JCISP National Vice President for Mindanao and the chapter’s own Past President, JCI Sen. Richard Tandoc, National Directors’ JCI Sen. Jocy Tagle-Ledesma, JCI Sen.

WHILE special awards were given to the “Gentlemen of the Night” Past Pres. Marcos Chua and “Lady of the Night” Councilor Cherry Bonguyan.

Domingo “Jun” Roque, JCI Sen. Kit Ordinado, JCI Sen. Rene Natividad TOFIL Partner JGF Phillip Nocom of ANSA Foundation, as well as PJSF National Secretary General, JCI Sen. Dennis Cunanan and PJSF Trustee Manny Silla, among others. Several Past National Presidents were also in attendance namely Past National Presidents’ JCI Sen. Jose Custodio, JCI Sen. Leoncio “Nonoy” Villa-Abrille and JCI Sen. Rogelio “Bib-Bic” Garcia.

WHILE 2017 Pres. Toto Mabaquiao delivers his valedictory speech.

The star-studded event, Chaired by JCI Sen. Ryan Gaw and hosted by JCI Sen. Steve Arquiza, was held in grandiose fashion at the Royal Mandaya Hotel last Feb. 8, 2018 and was attended by more than 200 guests that include the JCI Senators of the chapter with their lovely ladies, its counterparts in the regular fold, the JCI Members from the different chapters of Davao and JCI Senators from neighboring regions. President Edeley Tarrazona, in her stunning red long gown, goes down the history as only, the second Lady President of JCI Senate Davao, a well paid tribute to the countless contributions that she has provided through the years as a regular JCI member, President of JCI Kadayawan in 2004 and as a JCI Senator, not only for the JCI movement but for the Davao community as well.

RECEIVES his leadership Award from Pres. Ley.

One of the evening’s many highlights was the message of former Davao City Mayor and incumbent President of the Republic of the Philippines, His Excellency Rodrigo R. Duterte, represented by Secretary Ernesto Pernia that clearly emphasized on the relevance and importance of the JCI organization in nation building. Capping the festive occasion was the formal presentation and awarding of the Philippine Jaycee Senate Foundation (PJSF) to President Edeley Tarrazona as an exclusive member of the elite PJSF Chairman’s Circle. On the lighter side, guests were also treated to the lively performances of the “Vegas Dancers,” as well as being entertained by the Re-Verse Band during the post program fellowship.

PRESIDENT Edeley in her stunning red gown and her very supportive family and friends.

This annual celebration also served as a homecoming fellowship for old and new members of the JCI community in Davao City. Indeed, the night promised to be an affair truly worth remembering. And as we continue to move forward and advance the ideals of the JCI organization in a much bigger spectrum, may this annual affair serve as a constant reminder for everyone to remain hopeful in the achievement of genuine positive and meaningful change.