The Golden Link Project Trains Manila Seniors in Community-Based Livelihood Program

On January 29, 2026, JCI Manila did more than launch its first Community Development Project of the year—it sparked a movement of dignity, purpose, and possibility. Aptly named The Golden Link, the project was built on a powerful belief: that age is not a limitation, but an asset waiting to be empowered.

In partnership with the MDSW, JCI Manila designed a livelihood initiative that was both practical and sustainable. Elderly beneficiaries were trained to run a simple yet viable micro-enterprise—converting 95% ethyl alcohol into 75% isopropyl alcohol, enhanced with purified water and scented oils to create market-ready alcohol sprays. What began as a hands-on workshop quickly became a lesson in self-reliance.

Under the guidance of David Ramos, Director for Community Development, and the leadership of Project Commissioner and Chairman Daryl David, the program ensured that participants did not merely observe, but actively produced, packaged, and prepared products for real distribution. In the process, the elderly gained more than a new skill—they earned income, rediscovered confidence, and proved that productivity does not retire with age.

The significance of the project was echoed by Timothy Zarcal, Councilor of Manila’s 3rd District, who graced the event and delivered a message of strong support for JCI Manila. His presence underscored the shared responsibility of civic leaders and youth organizations in creating inclusive pathways for community development.

Beyond the training floor, The Golden Link forged partnerships that promise longevity. MDSW and JCI Manila formalized their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding, committing to jointly support future livelihood projects for vulnerable sectors. The impact reached even further as finished alcohol spray products were donated to Hospicio de San Jose, while others were sold to Adamson University—an institution that also signed an MOU with JCI Manila in solidarity with the project’s mission.

The Golden Link stands as a reminder that community development is most powerful when it is intentional, collaborative, and human-centered. By transforming knowledge into livelihood and partnerships into platforms for impact, JCI Manila did not simply serve the elderly—it stood beside them, linking generations through purpose, productivity, and hope.