Strengthening Partnerships for a Safe and Successful World Congress 2026

As preparations for the upcoming JCI World Congress 2026 continue to gain momentum, JCI Manila conducted a series of strategic courtesy visits and stakeholder engagements in Mabalacat, Pampanga and Clark, reinforcing partnerships that will play a vital role in delivering a world-class international event.

The delegation from JCI Manila visited the Municipality Hall of Mabalacat to formally present the World Congress 2026 plans and onboard the Local Government Unit as a key partner for the historic gathering. The visit was conducted alongside EVP Chino Tiotuico of JCI Angeles Culiat and members of JCI Mabalacat Malasa, led by Pres. RJ Garcia, demonstrating the strong collaboration among JCI organizations in Central Luzon and Metro Manila.

Representing JCI Manila during the engagement were Presidents L.A. Sevilla, Eds Ke, & Richard “Dods” Lim, EVP Matt Flores, SG Bobbit Castro, ET Josh Aragon, VP Cheeno Olayres, and Comm. George Co.

The delegation was warmly received by Mabalacat City Mayor Gerald Aquino, who expressed his support for the upcoming international event. During the discussions, President Eds Ke formally requested Mayor Aquino to represent the City of Mabalacat by delivering remarks during the World Congress Opening Night. The mayor graciously accepted the invitation, further solidifying the city’s commitment to welcoming delegates from around the world.

In addition to his acceptance, Mayor Aquino extended significant support to the organizing team by committing to waive applicable local taxes that may be incurred during the event. Recognizing the scale and importance of the World Congress, he also assured the delegation of the city’s full cooperation in ensuring the safety and well-being of participants. This includes coordinating with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to provide security assistance and ensuring that ambulance services and emergency response teams will be readily available throughout the event.

The meeting highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration in staging major international gatherings and showcased the willingness of local government leaders to support initiatives that promote tourism, economic activity, and international goodwill.

Following the courtesy visit, the delegation shared lunch with members of JCI Mabalacat Malasa. Beyond discussing event preparations, the gathering served as an opportunity to strengthen friendships and deepen camaraderie among fellow JCI leaders. Over good food, meaningful conversations, and a few celebratory beers, members exchanged ideas, shared experiences, and reinforced the spirit of brotherhood that continues to define the organization.

The day’s activities continued with a visit to the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) facility in Clark. As part of the World Congress organizing committee’s commitment to ensuring the safety and preparedness of all participants, the delegation formally informed PDRF representatives about the upcoming event and explored potential coordination mechanisms should emergencies arise.

During the visit, the group was given a comprehensive briefing on disaster preparedness, emergency response systems, and crisis management protocols. A representative from the Philippine Air Force provided an informative overview of the facility’s operations and capabilities, highlighting how various government and private sector partners work together to respond effectively during natural disasters and emergency situations.

The delegation also toured the facility, gaining valuable insights into the country’s disaster response infrastructure and the resources available in Clark that can be mobilized in times of need. The visit underscored the importance of preparedness and proactive planning, particularly for an event expected to attract thousands of delegates from across the globe.

These engagements reflect JCI Manila’s commitment to building strong partnerships with local government units, civic organizations, and emergency response stakeholders as preparations for World Congress 2026 move forward. By fostering collaboration, securing institutional support, and prioritizing safety and resilience, the organizing team continues to lay the groundwork for a successful event that will proudly showcase the Philippines on the world stage.

As momentum builds toward 2026, every meeting, partnership, and shared commitment brings the vision of an exceptional World Congress closer to reality—one that embodies the values of leadership, collaboration, and service that JCI proudly represents.