JCI Manila CRC Leads First Aid Training Ahead of World Congress 2026

As the 2026 JCI World Congress approaches, JCI Manila’s Critical Response Committee strengthens its preparedness through first aid training with the Philippine Red Cross, proving that hosting the world means being ready for every possibility.

With the 2026 JCI World Congress drawing closer, preparations extend beyond venues, programs, and international delegates. Behind the scenes, JCI Manila is also preparing for the situations that demand something more immediate than logistics and coordination: the ability to respond when someone’s safety is at stake.

On September 10, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., JCI Manila members and Build Hub employees gathered at the Build Hub Office in Ortigas for a first aid training conducted by the Philippine Red Cross. Requested by Senior Deputy Congress Director Richard “Dods” Lim and hosted by 2025 Vice President for External Affairs Andre Bernardo, the initiative brought together individuals committed to strengthening their readiness as the chapter prepares for its most significant undertaking of the year.

Among the participants was Pres. Pauline Amelinckx of JCI Bohol Chocolate Hills, whose presence added an international and interchapter dimension to the training. Alongside JCI Manila members and Build Hub employees, the participants took part in an initiative that placed practical preparedness at the center of World Congress preparations.

For JCI Manila’s Critical Response Committee (CRC), the training represented more than another item on the Congress preparation checklist. It was a tangible demonstration of the committee’s commitment to readiness, safety, and responsible event management.

Large international gatherings bring together people from different countries, backgrounds, and walks of life. While organizers work to make every experience memorable, they must also prepare for circumstances that can arise without warning. First aid knowledge gives trained individuals the ability to recognize emergencies, respond appropriately within their training, and provide assistance while professional medical help is arranged.

As the chapter prepares to welcome delegates and visitors to the 2026 JCI World Congress, developing that capability is an important part of the responsibility that comes with hosting an international event.

The training also highlighted the value of collaboration. By bringing together members, employees, and a representative from another JCI chapter, the initiative created an opportunity for participants to learn alongside one another while strengthening the working relationships that will matter when the Congress begins.

The following JCI Manila representatives received first aid certifications through the Philippine Red Cross training.

JCI Manila

• Senior Deputy Congress Director Richard “Dods” Lim
• VP Andre Bernardo
• Dir. Jasbir Banwait
• Dir. Bryan Zafra
• Nino Velarde
• Comm. George Co
• Gerard Dy Jr.
• ASDD Prince Datu
• Angelo Balanon

JCI Bohol Chocolate Hills

• Pres. Pauline Amelinckx

The day’s formal activities eventually gave way to a more relaxed evening of fellowship, hosted by Senior Deputy Congress Director Richard “Dods” Lim. Members of JCI Manila and JCI Bohol Chocolate Hills took the opportunity to express their appreciation for one another and celebrate the continued collaboration between their chapters.

It was a fitting conclusion to a day centered on preparedness. Beyond the technical knowledge gained during training, the participants strengthened the connections that make teamwork possible. Trust is built not only during major events, but also through shared experiences, conversations, and opportunities to understand the people with whom one serves.

With the 2026 JCI World Congress approaching, these relationships will be just as valuable as the plans being finalized behind the scenes.

The challenge ahead is significant. Hosting an international gathering requires coordination across teams, careful preparation, and a shared commitment to delivering an experience worthy of JCI Manila. The CRC’s initiative reflects an understanding that readiness must encompass not only the ability to organize, but also the ability to respond when circumstances call for it.

For JCI Manila, the message is clear. Preparing to host the world means preparing to take care of the people who come together for it.

The first aid training was one more step toward that goal, bringing practical skills, stronger collaboration, and a renewed sense of shared responsibility into the final stretch of preparations.

As the chapter moves closer to the 2026 JCI World Congress, the work continues. And with every training session, every partnership, and every opportunity to strengthen its people, JCI Manila moves closer to being ready not just to welcome the world, but to serve it responsibly.