Miss Universe PH and JCI Manila Unite for Children’s Safety and Community Upliftment

In a community long associated with hardship and resilience, a new chapter began on April 8 as JCI Manila, in partnership with Miss Universe Philippines, brought light, attention, and concrete action to Smokey Mountain, Brgy. 128, Tondo.

For decades, Smokey Mountain was known worldwide as a towering garbage dump, home to thousands of informal settlers who made a living by scavenging for recyclable materials. The name itself evoked the constant smoke rising from decomposing waste, and it became a visual representation of the nation’s long-standing struggle with urban poverty. Generations of families lived amid the fumes, lacking access to basic services like clean water, proper shelter, and education. It was often featured in international media as the face of Manila’s poorest, a stark reminder of inequality in the heart of the capital.

The day for JCI Manila began shortly after 8 a.m. with interviews and site visits for the Smokey Mountain Youth Center project—an initiative that includes the renovation of the local sports facility and the construction of a small learning center. The center is designed to serve as both a training ground for aspiring athletes and a haven for learning and development, set within the heart of the barangay.

By 9 a.m., the official program commenced under the banner “Love Above All,” an awareness campaign inspired by the Miss Universe theme and focused on cyber safety, protection against domestic violence, and child sexual abuse prevention. Commissioner Mon Bergonia opened the event, followed by Director Bobbit Castro of the Community Development Directorate, who detailed ongoing and future initiatives for the people of Smokey Mountain.

The program was anchored by a symbolic tour of a portion of the old Smokey Mountain dumpsite. JCI Manila members including several Miss Universe Philippines candidates were given a firsthand view of the community’s past struggles and its emerging future. The tour continued at the proposed sites for the Smokey Mountain Youth Center and Smokey Mountain Learning Center, where hopes are being built from the ground up.

At the heart of this initiative is the recognition of a critical issue: high dropout rates among youth. Since 2010, JCI Manila has supported the Smokey Mountain Football Club (FC), a grassroots futsal program that has produced national-level athletes in spite of lacking a proper facility. Currently, the team trains on a worn-down basketball court, insufficient for the scale and potential of the program.

The goal is to convert this space into a dual-purpose basketball and futsal court and, in the process, create a sustainable environment for youth development. The project seeks to re-engage out-of-school youth, provide opportunities through sports scholarships, and elevate the community through education and empowerment.

Upon return to the program venue, Commissioner Dan Michael Gallego re-energized the young attendees and took a moment to introduce JCI Manila President Jan Adrian “AP” Padiernos, who delivered a powerful message to the youth.

“There is hope. Do not be afraid, because we are here,” Pres. AP said in Filipino, as he addressed the children directly. “JCI Manila has been looking after you. Look at the men around you now.” He ended with a heartfelt promise: “When you see a JCI Manila member in the future and you need help, tell them my name—and I guarantee you, they’ll help you.”

After this message, the youth shifted their focus to the next part of the day: a two-hour cybersecurity and online safety session conducted by My Children’s House of Hope, a dedicated NGO of social workers. This session marked the launch of Project SafeSteps, JCI Manila’s first major campaign for Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Prevention (CSAEP), in collaboration with the Stairway Foundation and Break the Silence National Network.

Later in the day, the Miss Universe delegates were welcomed at the JCI Manila Clubhouse, where they toured the facility and learned more about the organization’s legacy and impact. This marked the first time the Miss Universe Philippines candidates visited the JCI Manila headquarters—a symbolic alignment of beauty, advocacy, and service.

Capping the historic day was the announcement of a year-long partnership between JCI Manila, Empire PH, and Miss Universe Philippines. The alliance will amplify JCI Manila’s causes on national and global stages and provide crucial momentum as the chapter gears up to host the 2026 JCI World Congress, a major milestone in Philippine leadership and international collaboration.

For many, this day was a glimpse into what’s possible when purpose meets action. This project is very promising because it creates opportunities for youth to better themselves through sports and learning. With this space, they can be inspired to pursue scholarships, earn degrees, and one day give back to the communities they come from.

“Love Above All” wasn’t just a campaign title—it was a promise, lived out through each conversation, and each commitment made to the children and families of Smokey Mountain. Through this effort, JCI Manila reaffirmed its mission: to empower the next generation through leadership, compassion, and sustainable impact.