Building Bridges in the North: JCI Manila Meets Baguio Mayor to Launch Area 1 Initiatives

On March 2, 2026, the Special Projects Team of JCI Manila traveled to Baguio City to meet with Benjamin Magalong, marking the beginning of what both sides hope will become a long-term collaboration for community development in Area 1.

The delegation was led by Rocky Cebrero, Director for Special Projects, who organized the meeting to explore opportunities for meaningful partnerships between JCI Manila and the local government of Baguio. The discussion focused on identifying projects that could create lasting impact in the city while establishing a strong working relationship with local stakeholders.

Among the initiatives discussed was Cebrero’s flagship proposal to establish an IPED (Indigenous Peoples Education) Center at Pinget High School. The project, which aims to support culturally responsive education for indigenous students, is being led by Ram Gutierrez, who serves as the project’s chairman. The proposed center seeks to provide a dedicated learning environment that recognizes and preserves indigenous knowledge while improving access to educational resources.

Another project currently under development is a water conservation initiative, which will focus on promoting sustainable water management practices in the community. The initiative is being spearheaded by co-chairmen George Co and Miguel Molina, who are working on program frameworks that could support long-term environmental awareness and resource sustainability.

The meeting also highlighted the participation of JCI Manila’s newest members. One of the more notable discussions involved Leeroy Shoko, a Baby Jaycee who represented his fellow recruits in exploring possible projects they could independently pursue. His proposal reflected a growing interest among new members to actively contribute to the chapter’s initiatives rather than simply observe from the sidelines.

The engagement demonstrated how both regular members and Baby Jaycees are working in parallel to identify projects that could expand JCI Manila’s reach in Area 1. By coordinating with the Baguio City government, the chapter aims not only to implement programs but also to establish a sustained presence in the region.

As planning continues in the coming months, the key questions remain open. How many of these proposed projects will move from planning to execution? Will the initiatives spearheaded by both experienced members and new recruits succeed in delivering tangible results for the community?

For now, the groundwork has been laid. With partnerships forming and project ideas taking shape, the coming months will determine how far these initiatives can go—and whether JCI Manila’s efforts in Area 1 will translate into lasting impact.