Sea of Life: JCI Manila’s Legacy Initiative for Marine Conservation

When young leaders dive deep, both literally and figuratively, lasting change follows. JCI Manila’s Sea of Life initiative is a shining example of how passion, community, and sustainability converge to create impact. At its core lies Project KILO (Keep It Local), a pioneering effort in Lian, Batangas that blends environmental protection, livelihood empowerment, and cultural pride into a single movement.

Sea of Life was inspired by a simple but powerful observation. During conversations with then–Vice Mayor Ronin Leviste, the need for marker buoys, essential for navigation and protecting fragile marine zones, came to light. This discovery unlocked broader questions: how could JCI Manila help strengthen marine protected areas, support fisherfolk, and restore biodiversity?

The answer became Project KILO. Partnering with the Lian Fisherfolk Association and De La Salle University, the team commissioned locals to build reef cubes and install buoys, turning conservation into livelihood. Alongside, JCI members immersed themselves in scuba diving certifications, learning firsthand the wonders and fragility of the seas they were working to protect.

Expanding Horizons: Art, Culture, and Ecotourism

What began as reef restoration soon grew into something larger. Five monumental reef statues were commissioned, each symbolizing Filipino unity and resilience. These statues transformed the Kayreyna Marine Protected Area into both a thriving habitat and a living gallery of Bayanihan under the sea.

Momentum spread further. With partners like Soroptimist International Batangas Intercity, the initiative branched into mangrove cleanups, school supply drives, and even health support for over 300 students. In every step, Project KILO embodied the principle of keeping it local: empowering communities to be custodians of their environment.

Goals Rooted in Community and Chapter Growth

For Barangay Lumaniag, the project means more than reefs, it’s about:

• Sustainable livelihoods, especially in off-season months.

• Youth engagement and environmental education.

• Ecotourism foundations to build pride and income.

For JCI Manila, Project KILO strengthens its role as a catalyst for grassroots-driven change. Members gained leadership experience, advocacy skills, and even diving certifications, transforming themselves into marine conservationists. Perhaps most importantly, the initiative set a replicable model for other JCI chapters nationwide.

Fundraising with Bayanihan

From the start, the team set a bold target: raise ₱1.4M, later expanding to ₱2M including logistics for reef deployment. Instead of grand galas, Project KILO leaned into community-driven fundraising. Local businesses, civic groups, and 26+ partners contributed cash, equipment, and meals. Social media storytelling and high-quality videos widened the reach, while events like the Sea of Life Diving Experience doubled as both awareness and fundraising platforms.

The result? Every buoy, reef cube, and statue came to life through collective generosity, proof that sustainability thrives on shared responsibility.

Advocacy Anchored on Five Pillars

Project KILO champions:

• Marine biodiversity restoration through reefs and awareness.

• Community empowerment by linking livelihood with conservation.

• Bayanihan values that ensure homegrown, lasting solutions.

• Education and youth engagement through outreach like Brigada Eskwela.

• Public awareness amplified through media, events, and role models.

The Team Behind the Vision

Chairing Project KILO, the leader recounts how the initiative became a “flow state” of teamwork. Director Joshua Aragon and Commissioner David Ong offered strategic guidance. Co-chair Jake Lagazo built the project website and managed sponsorships, while Atty. Pocholo Patawaran ensured legal compliance and local coordination. Henley Cortez oversaw finance and documentation, and volunteers brought everything together through cleanups, dives, and outreach.

Beyond roles, what united them was brotherhood: a shared belief that this was more than an induction requirement. It was a mission.

A Journey with JCI Manila

Alfonso Levy Macaraig, the project chairman, recalls being invited by Jhabes Monzones and encouraged by Sen. JC Leviste to join JCI Manila. What stood out immediately was the group’s energy, professionalism, and passion for change. Joining JCI Manila wasn’t just about personal growth, but about being part of a community determined to make a difference.

Looking forward, he’s eager to dive deeper into Special Projects, Community Development, Training, and BizLOM, seeing these as platforms to both grow as a leader and continue serving society.