At the edge of a forested training camp in Ternate, Cavite, a new structure now stands; sleek, sturdy, and full of promise. To passersby, it may seem like just another facility. But to the men and women of the Philippine Marine Corps, especially those undergoing the elite Force Reconnaissance Regiment (FRR) training, it is a symbol of respect, support, and something even rarer in today’s world: genuine civilian gratitude.
Behind this project is not a military unit nor a government agency but a group of first-time project leaders, also known as Baby Jaycees, from JCI Manila.
A Cadet’s Tribute to the Training Ground That Shaped Him
The story began with Lemuel Calvin Carrido, a quiet but driven member of JCI Manila’s 2024 intake. Long before he wore the Jaycee pin, Lemuel wore a different kind of uniform: as an ROTC officer at De La Salle University-Manila. It was during this time that he trained at Camp Gregorio Lim, the very base that would later become the site of his first civic project under JCI Manila.
“I remember the hardship, the pressure, and the discipline we were taught here,” he once shared in an earlier internal reflection. “Even as a cadet, the experience tested everything I had. That’s why when we were asked to develop a community project, this camp was the first thing that came to mind.”
Lemuel pitched the idea to his Baby Jaycee batchmates, and what followed was more than just agreement but commitment. The group decided to build a 150-square-meter multipurpose facility for the Marine candidates training for one of the country’s most elite forces.
Understanding the Force Recon
The Force Reconnaissance Regiment (FRR) is no ordinary military group. They are the Philippine Marines’ “best of the best,” trained for operations across land, air, and sea. Their skill set includes amphibious reconnaissance, demolition, intelligence gathering, and even underwater operations. The selection process is famously brutal, and rightly so. These are the troops deployed in high-risk missions across the archipelago.
Yet, despite the prestige, many of their training facilities remained outdated and worn down. It was a detail that didn’t sit well with Lemuel and his fellow Jaycees.
“It just didn’t feel right that our most elite soldiers were preparing under subpar conditions,” said one committee member. “If we call them heroes, we should treat them like it.”
Building a Base for Bravery
The original plan was modest: an 80-square-meter facility. But after consulting with the Marines themselves, the team quickly realized they had to double their scope. The reason? The camp receives a significant number of trainees each year, and the space simply wasn’t enough.
This scaling up presented new challenges. The budget needed to be doubled, and resources had to be stretched. But this didn’t discourage the team. Instead, they mobilized their networks in the construction industry and approached sponsors and partners with a clear message: help us support those who protect us.
What truly turned the tide was the trust and support of seasoned Jaycee SG Gerry Hung, who stepped forward to sponsor Lemuel’s membership in JCI Manila. It was Gerry who first believed in Lemuel’s quiet leadership and gave him the platform to pursue this initiative.
The fundraising didn’t involve glamorous fundraising events. No galas or ticketed dinners. No golf tournaments. It was one-on-one outreach: emails, meetings, calls, and cold messages. And though rejections were many, so too were the unexpected blessings. From free labor to discounted materials, the support started to trickle in.
“We didn’t have a Plan B,” said one co-chairman. “We just knew we had to finish this project.”
Meet the Team Behind the Vision
The Kalinga sa Mandirigma project was led by a lean but relentless team of Baby Jaycees:
- Lemuel Calvin Carrido, Chairman, brought his decade of experience in the construction industry to the forefront. He managed the site planning, logistics, manpower, and supplier coordination.
- Yen Nan Shih and Kevin Chuahiock, Co-Chairmen, were instrumental in maintaining the project’s financial stability, securing monthly funding, preparing reports, and ensuring accountability.
- Wilhelm Wade Eusores, Manuel Siycha, Joaquin Cruz, and Ian Umali served as key support pillars, handling written documentation, visual materials, and strategic fundraising.
It was a team effort in the truest sense. Everyone had a role, and everyone showed up.
More Than a Structure: A Symbol of Support
On turnover day, the Philippine Marines welcomed the group with open arms and grateful hearts. Standing in front of the finished building, the trainees and officers alike knew that this wasn’t just a roof and walls; it was a gesture of solidarity.
For many in the project team, the moment was surreal. “You could see it in the soldiers’ eyes. This wasn’t charity. This was partnership,” said one of the Baby Jaycees.
The structure will serve multiple functions, from instructional sessions to strategic planning meetings. But its greatest role might be intangible: reminding the troops that they are not forgotten.
A Journey of Leadership, Not Just Service
For Lemuel, and many of his batchmates, this project was more than a community service requirement, it was a defining chapter in their leadership journey.
Initially joining JCI Manila to expand his network as a startup entrepreneur, Lemuel soon found himself in unfamiliar but meaningful territory: public service. He had always considered himself someone who stayed in the background. But this time, he stepped forward.
The experience didn’t just sharpen his organizational skills; it strengthened his character. He overcame his fear of public speaking, delivered heartfelt speeches at ceremonial events, and grew into a role he never expected to take.
“I never thought I’d lead a project like this. But JCI Manila gave me the push and the platform,” he said in reflection.
What’s Next for These Baby Jaycees?
While Kalinga sa Mandirigma is now complete, the spirit behind it lives on. Many of the project’s leaders have expressed interest in continuing their involvement in JCI Manila’s Special Projects Committee, eyeing future initiatives that blend service with strategic impact.
There’s also a clear hunger for personal growth. Lemuel, for one, is eager to further develop his communication and leadership skills, having now seen what’s possible when he steps outside his comfort zone.
But perhaps most importantly, the team walks away with a lesson that will stay with them for life:
“Leadership begins not when you have authority but when you answer a need.”
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