Putting People at the Center: Nico Sevilla’s Term in Membership Welfare

Caring for the Whole Member

In an organization driven by leadership, service, and impact, the strength of JCI Manila has always depended on one thing above all else: its people. For Nico Sevilla, Director for Membership Welfare, the responsibility was not simply to engage members, but to ensure they were supported, grounded, and able to grow in every dimension of their lives.

From the very beginning of his term, Sevilla’s vision was clear. Membership welfare had to go beyond activities and attendance. It had to be holistic, addressing not only physical well-being, but also social connection, character formation, and spiritual grounding. The goal was to help members grow not just as Jaycees, but as leaders at home, in their communities, and in their professions.

As the year unfolded, this vision deepened. The diversity of member needs demanded flexibility and constant listening. Supporting members effectively meant creating spaces for reflection, dialogue, movement, competition, and rest. It meant designing experiences that met members where they were, while gently challenging them to grow into who they could become.

Programs That Nurtured Growth

Several initiatives came to define the year, each contributing to a more complete and intentional member experience.
The Infantry emerged as a space for reflection and faith-centered growth. Through guided discussions and insights from seasoned speakers, members were invited to examine how values such as integrity, humility, patience, and service are lived out daily. More than a spiritual gathering, it became a foundation for stronger leadership at home, strengthening marriages, family relationships, and personal accountability.

Table for 8 offered something quieter, but equally powerful. Eight randomly selected members gathered for an intimate dinner hosted by a prominent JCI Manila member or special guest. In these small settings, conversations flowed naturally across business, leadership, life, and the JCI journey itself. The result was deeper connection, mentorship without formality, and perspectives that stayed with participants long after the evening ended.

Physical wellness was reimagined through the Health Clubs, a series of pocket activities that included pickleball sessions, weekly run clubs, Animal Flow workouts, ice baths, and HYROX training. These initiatives encouraged members to explore new ways of staying active while building camaraderie and accountability with fellow Jaycees.

Competitive spirit was also given an inclusive home. The JCI Manila Golf League, a season-long tournament spanning seven legs, brought excitement through a unique team-based format that emphasized strategy and participation. Complementing this was the introduction of the OG League within the basketball program, a new tier designed for veteran members and newcomers alike. By lowering physical demands without sacrificing competition and teamwork, the league made sports more accessible while preserving the energy that defines JCI Manila athletics.

Together, these programs reshaped what member engagement could look like, balanced, intentional, and deeply human.

Leadership in Dynamic Spaces

Leading membership welfare came with its own set of challenges. Competitive environments, particularly in sports leagues, sometimes tested boundaries. Minor infractions could escalate when rules were unclear, requiring steady leadership rooted in fairness, transparency, and due process.

In these moments, Sevilla led with calm and clarity. Open communication, structured decision-making, and consistency helped reinforce trust and accountability across teams. Competition and camaraderie were treated not as opposing forces, but as values that must coexist.
Another challenge lay in sustaining engagement across a diverse membership while introducing new initiatives alongside established programs. This required careful planning, openness to innovation, and strong alignment with JCI Manila’s core values.

By expanding touchpoints through varied activities and thoughtfully designed engagements, the directorate ensured that members could find spaces that resonated with them, regardless of background or interests.

A Culture That Endures

Among all the initiatives launched during the year, The Infantry and Table for 8 stand out as the most enduring in their impact. These programs did more than engage members. They shaped character, strengthened perspective, and created spaces for conversations that extended well beyond the organization.

Their significance lies in how they touched multiple aspects of a member’s life, leadership, faith, family, and purpose. The insights gained in these spaces became lasting takeaways, carried into daily personal and professional life long after the sessions ended.

This, ultimately, defines the legacy of Nico Sevilla’s term as Director for Membership Welfare. A culture where care is intentional, growth is multidimensional, and members feel supported not just as leaders, but as whole individuals.

In nurturing the physical, social, and spiritual well-being of its members, JCI Manila strengthened its foundation. And in doing so, it ensured that leadership within the chapter remains not only effective, but deeply human.