Bridging Business and Service: How PLDT’s Vince Rodriguez Found Purpose with JCI Manila

Dan Michael Gallego
March 3,2025

On a busy Friday night in January 2019, Vince Rodriguez had a simple plan: check in on the PLDT Enterprise booth at Manila Hotel, grab dinner, and head to his nephew’s wedding. But fate had other plans. As he listened to JCI Manila’s leaders passionately share their vision, something stirred within him. “I didn’t expect to stay that long, but something about their energy drew me in,” he recalls. That night marked the beginning of a connection that would change his perspective—not just on business, but on life itself.

Vince is no stranger to leadership and impact. With over 24 years of experience in enterprise sales, marketing, and partner engagement, he currently leads Enterprise Business Consulting for Smart Cities and Local Government Units at PLDT Enterprise. Yet, beyond his corporate success, he has found a deeper calling—one shaped by the JCI Creed.

Vince Rodriguez joins the Board of Directors under Past President LA Sevilla inside the JCI Manila Board Room.

Living the Creed—Every Single Day

While many JCI Manila members draw inspiration from the organization’s mission, Vince takes it a step further—he recites the JCI Creed every single day. It has become a personal mantra, spoken alongside PLDT’s Purpose and Values, reinforcing his belief that success must be rooted in service. “That service to humanity is the best work of life,” he says with conviction. “It’s a line that resonates deeply with me because it aligns with what I believe—business should have a purpose beyond profit.”

For someone who has never been a JCI Manila member, this is rare. Even within the organization, daily recitation of the Creed is uncommon. And yet, Vince has made it a cornerstone of his routine.

To him, JCI Manila is more than just sponsorships or networking—it’s about relationships, shared purpose, and the lives the organization touches. “It’s more than business; it’s family,” he says. Among the many events he’s attended, the JCI Manila SME Franchise Forum remains closest to his heart. “Seeing young entrepreneurs thrive because of these initiatives is incredibly fulfilling,” he reflects. It is in these moments—watching aspiring business owners take their first steps—that Vince sees the true power of JCI Manila.

A Personal Mission Rooted in Experience

Beyond his corporate role, Vince carries a deeply personal mission that fuels his passion for service. Having been raised by a single mother, he understands the resilience, sacrifice, and determination required to build a future against the odds. “I know the struggles—the quiet battles fought behind closed doors, the sleepless nights spent worrying about tomorrow,” he shares. This profound empathy has shaped his perspective on the kind of impact JCI Manila can create.

When asked what project he would like to see JCI Manila undertake, Vince speaks with conviction: he hopes to see initiatives specifically designed to empower single mothers. “If we can equip them with the tools to start businesses, secure their children’s futures, and reclaim their dreams, that would be a legacy worth fighting for,” he says. He believes that through education, mentorship, and economic support, JCI Manila can create meaningful opportunities for single mothers striving to build a better future.

Building Bridges, Creating Change

As corporations increasingly align their efforts with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, Vince believes that partnerships like the one between PLDT Enterprise and JCI Manila are more critical than ever. “The key is aligning projects with corporate sustainability goals, creating partnerships that are not only timely and relevant but also transformative,” he explains. His commitment has helped bridge the gap between the corporate world and JCI Manila’s mission, proving that businesses can be powerful forces for social good.

Despite the demands of his career, Vince remains unwavering in his commitment. His philosophy? Show up, work hard, and lead by example. “Work hard, play hard,” he says, emphasizing the importance of preparation, presence, and passion—whether in a boardroom or at a late-night event.

Looking ahead, he envisions an even stronger partnership between PLDT Enterprise and JCI Manila. “I hope my role will eventually shift from bridging the gap to supporting a collaboration that’s already thriving,” he shares.

A Call to Lead with Purpose

Vince’s journey is a testament to the power of JCI Manila’s mission—that leadership, service, and business can go hand in hand. Through his daily recitation of the JCI Creed, he has embraced the organization’s values as more than just words, but as a guiding philosophy in both his corporate career and personal advocacy. His message to JCI Manila members is clear: “Excellence by example. Succeed without fear. Conquer completely. Inspire absolutely. Work tirelessly, endlessly, and fearlessly toward a legacy that helps build Philippine digital MSME communities.”

For Vince, the impact of JCI Manila extends beyond events and partnerships—it lies in the commitment of its members to serve, lead, and create lasting change. And while he has found his own way to support the mission, he believes that the real impact happens within the organization—through the dedication of its members who turn purpose into action every single day.

As JCI Manila continues to grow, so does the opportunity to bring in more leaders, changemakers, and advocates who share the same vision. Because living the Creed isn’t just about believing in it—it’s about being part of something bigger.