From Vision to Reality: JCI Manila Establishes Youth Learning Hub in Brgy. Labney

Dan Michael Gallego, as told by Robbie Jaworski
January 15, 2025

 

In the remote mountains of Brgy. Labney, where access to technology and modern learning resources has long been a challenge, a new chapter in education has begun. On December 17, 2024, JCI Manila, through Project BLUEY (Brgy. Labney Uplift and Elevate the Youth), successfully launched a fully equipped digital literacy area and a specialized agricultural training program—bridging the gap between ambition and access for the youth of the community.

Led by 2024 Youth Development Director Peter Espiritu, Project BLUEY aligns with JCI Manila’s mission to empower communities through sustainable education. By equipping students with technology-driven learning tools and location-specific agricultural knowledge, the initiative provides the skills and confidence needed to break the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future.

The JCI Manila Project BLUEY committee immerses themselves with the bright and eager children of Brgy. Labney—sharing laughter and hope for a brighter future.

Empowering the Youth Through Digital and Agricultural Innovation

The newly established digital literacy area introduces students to modern technology, allowing them to develop essential computer skills, access online learning materials, and explore innovations beyond their rural setting. For students like Angel, a Grade 10 learner, this is life-changing:

“Before this, we relied on outdated books and handwritten notes. Now, we can learn with computers, explore new subjects, and connect with the world beyond our mountains. This is a dream come true.”

Alongside digital literacy, Project BLUEY also established an agricultural training program tailored to Brgy. Labney’s natural environment. With the support of RAMGO International Corporation, students and community members are now learning modern farming techniques suited to the local landscape. The program introduces sustainable crop production, climate-adaptive farming, and agripreneurship, ensuring that the community can maximize its agricultural potential while preserving its resources for future generations.

“This program is not just about farming—it’s about securing our future,” shared Barangay Captain Bernardo D. Baun. “With these new techniques, our youth can sustain their families while also exploring new economic opportunities.”

Executing a project of this scale in a remote location was no easy feat. Brgy. Labney’s mountainous terrain and unpaved roads made transportation difficult, with river crossings often becoming impassable, especially during the rainy season. The committee, led by Project Chairman Jay Perez, Commissioner Valentin Khoe Jr., Co-chairman Robbie Jaworski, and committee members Jake Amigo Chan, Ryan Jaworski, and Kelvin Ng, developed a strategic logistics plan to carefully schedule deliveries and construction, ensuring the seamless execution of the project.

Beyond the initial setup, JCI Manila has laid the foundation for long-term sustainability. The committee has partnered with local educators and agricultural experts to ensure:

• Regular digital literacy workshops to enhance students’ tech skills.
• Continuous mentorship programs with professionals in both technology and agriculture.
• Hands-on agricultural training sessions to help students apply modern farming techniques.
• Ongoing maintenance and program development to ensure the sustainability of both learning hubs.

Tarlac 1st District Congressman Jaime Cojuangco, Mayantoc Municipal Mayor Iluminado E. Pobre Jr., JCI Manila Youth Development Director Peter Espiritu, and school officials come together to sign the MOA for Project BLUEY—paving the way for enhanced digital literacy and agricultural training in Brgy. Labney.

The launch ceremony was a momentous occasion filled with inspiring speeches, presentations, and a guided tour of the new facilities. The program commenced with the Philippine National Anthem, a prayer, and an introduction to JCI Manila’s mission and values. Key figures, including Tarlac 1st District Congressman Jaime Cojuangco, Mayantoc Municipal Mayor Iluminado E. Pobre Jr., and representatives from Star Magic Digital, shared their insights on the project’s long-term impact. The event concluded with a tour of the new digital literacy area and agricultural training site, showcasing the new tools and resources available to the youth.

With Project BLUEY now fully realized, the children of Brgy. Labney no longer have to dream from the sidelines—they now have the tools, knowledge, and support to shape their own futures. By investing in education and sustainable development, Project BLUEY has transformed lives and strengthened the foundation for long-term progress in Brgy. Labney.