Lead To The Fullest

Three years ago, I walked into a JCI Mandaue strategic planning not as a leader, not even as a member. In fact, I walked into that room not knowing what I was supposed to do there.

And tonight, that same person stands before you as the 2026 President of JCI Mandaue.

With all protocols observed!

Good evening to our distinguished guests, respected Past Presidents, partners, fellow Jaycees, friends, and most especially, my beloved MerryMen.

Tonight is deeply personal for me. Because standing here is not just about assuming a title. It is about accepting a responsibility. A responsibility to serve, to listen, and to lead.

My journey with JCI began in 2023. It was my best friend — the one and only Ran-Ran Alburo, now based in the United Kingdom — who relentlessly called, messaged, and practically dragged me to attend the strategic planning session of the Board of Directors. Grabe, murag teleserye ang follow-up! But because of his persistence, that single invitation became the turning point of my entire JCI journey. He wasn't just the nagging bestfriend that day — he was the catalyst, the spark, the person who opened the door that eventually led me here tonight.

And to be very honest, I had no idea what I was doing there. I didn't know the programs. I didn't understand the organization. I didn't even know the structure of JCI.

But while sitting in that room, I saw leaders discussing projects that could change lives in the community. I saw passion. I saw purpose.

And in that moment, I realized I had just discovered a new avenue for growth and development. And that moment led me to make a decision. I decided to commit and join JCI Mandaue.

Soon after joining, I was asked something unexpected. I was asked to become the Project Chair of the 60th Induction Ceremony of JCI Mandaue. And I said YES.

Even though the truth was, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I didn't know the protocols. I didn't know the program flow. And the biggest surprise of all — the event had no funds yet.

So we started from scratch. And that experience taught me something important. Leadership is not about knowing everything. Leadership is about having the courage to step forward even when you don't.

After that experience, I decided to go all in. I participated in community projects. I supported the activities of JCI Mandaue. And together with our members, we were able to serve our community through meaningful initiatives.

Then something happened that truly surprised me. I was nominated for Most Outstanding New Member at the JCI Area 4 Quadro Awards. And by God's grace, I won.

That recognition did not just make me proud. It inspired me to give more. It fueled my passion to serve the community even more. And at that moment, I saw an opportunity to help JCI Mandaue grow even further.

So as a new member, I even considered running for President. But sometimes in life, we realize that God has better plans for us. And that the right time is always God's time. So I decided not to push through.

Instead, I became what I proudly call a "HM" — a Happy Member. I continued supporting the organization, observing the Local Organization, and reflecting on one question: Is JCI really meant for me?

Then in 2025, something unexpected happened. Out of nowhere, EVP Jay called me and offered me the position of Vice President for Community Development.

Before I finally said YES to returning as an active member and accepting the role of Vice President for Community Development, I had a heart-to-heart conversation with two people very important to me. My friend Clyde, and Doc Luie, who is now our Auditor.

We talked about life. About priorities. About the future. And they told me honestly: "Jess, ayaw na lang og balik. You've already done your part. Focus on yourself. Mag negosyo na lang ta."

And to be honest, they were not wrong. Because sometimes we reach a point in life where we ask ourselves: Is it still worth it to serve?

But deep in my heart, there was something stronger calling me. The desire to serve. The passion to help others grow. And the belief that leadership can change lives.

So I said YES.

And Doc Luie, thank you for saying yes to becoming Auditor. Kay kung wala ka, kinsa nlng mangasaba nako, haha! Naa nasad baya imong picture didto sa pubmat!

Accepting the role of VP for Community meant more time, more work, and more challenges. But together with an incredible team — EVP Jayjay, VP Peter Paul, and VP Reniel — our projects succeeded. They were recognized. They were awarded. But more importantly, they created impact in the community.

My dear Externals, my Trio taga Payu, thank you for standing beside me.

To be honest, running for President was never part of my plan anymore. Especially after our amended by-laws required the EVP position before running for President. At 39 years old, I thought my opportunity had already passed.

So I told myself, I will simply continue being a support system for the next President. After all, that's what I've done most of my life. For 17 years, I served as Chief of Staff to four SK Presidents and one ABC President.

So if this were a movie, murag dili gyud ko pang main character. Murag bagay ra ko sa supporting role. Kanang bestfriend sa bida. Usahay character actor. Pwede sad kontrabida. Pero ang bida? Murag dili gyud ako.

Until one day, EVP Jay and VP Peter Paul asked me to run for President. Because at that time, no one else was running.

Maybe I was the last option. But instead of seeing it negatively, I saw the silver lining. Maybe this was God's perfect time. Because when I looked at JCI Mandaue, I realized something. It would be a waste if no one stepped forward to lead.

So I told them one condition. If I say YES, no one gets left behind. If one resigns, we all resign. If one struggles, we all stand together. And after my term, the next President must come from among them.

And they agreed.

And that, my dear MerryMen, is why I stand before you tonight. Not because I planned it. But because sometimes, leadership finds you when you least expect it.

Kabalo mo unsay akong na realize sa JCI? Ang lider dili kanang pinakakusog mu storya. Ang lider katong pinakakusog mu paminaw.

Because leadership is not about recognition. Leadership is about impact. It is about empowering people. It is about building relationships. And it is about creating opportunities for others to grow.

As I begin my one year to lead, I carry one banner that will guide us all. Lead to the Fullest.

Because this year is not about my leadership. This year is about our leadership. The strength of JCI Mandaue has always been its MerryMen.

Tonight, I begin to lead with a promise. A promise that in the 365 days entrusted to us, we will give everything we have — our time, our passion, our ideas, and our hearts.

Because leadership is not measured by titles. Leadership is measured by impact. By the people we empower. By the lives we touch. And by the relationships we build along the way.

As I step into this role, I reflected deeply on one question: What kind of leader do I want to be remembered as?

Not the leader who always speaks the most, but the leader who listens the most. Because sometimes the most powerful leadership begins with listening. Listening to the ideas of our members. Listening to the voices that are often unheard. Listening to the dreams of those who want to make a difference.

I also want to be remembered as a leader who gives credit where it is due. Because the success of JCI Mandaue has never been the work of one person. It has always been the work of many passionate hearts working together. Every project. Every achievement. Every milestone. They belong to our members.

And this year, I want every MerryMan to feel something very important. That you matter in this organization. Your ideas matter. Your efforts matter. Your presence matters.

Because JCI Mandaue is strongest not because of our titles, but because of our relationships. The friendships we build. The trust we nurture. And the brotherhood that binds us together.

This year, I envision an organization where commitment becomes our culture. Where members proudly step forward to contribute their talents. Where we share our resources with one another. Where collaboration becomes our greatest strength.

And where every one of us proudly says: "I am a MerryMan."

Because being a MerryMan is not just membership. It is pride. It is service. It is leadership. And it is legacy.

To our Past Presidents, thank you for lighting the path we now follow. Your wisdom continues to guide us.

I am profoundly grateful to our 2026 Board of Directors for embracing this journey with me. Your trust, dedication, and willingness to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in service fuel my confidence as we begin this year together.

And to AVP Eric, thank you for believing in me long before I believed in myself. Your guidance has been constant, steady, and sincere. In every crucial decision for the chapter, you have been a voice of clarity and wisdom. I am here today not only because of my own steps, but because leaders like you walked with me, pushed me, and reminded me of the vision we are all fighting for.

I would not be standing here without the unwavering support of my family — the people who have been my anchor in every season of my life. They have celebrated my victories, tolerated my absences, and lifted me whenever leadership became heavy.

To my best friend, Rengelle, thank you for being my constant source of strength, laughter, and grounding — you have shown up for me in ways words can never fully capture.

And to my cousin Dave, who has always been there not just as family but as a true brother, thank you for your steady presence and your belief in me.

With all of you by my side, I am reminded every day that leadership is not a solitary journey — it is built on the love, loyalty, and support of the people who stand behind you.

To our partners and stakeholders, thank you for believing in the mission of JCI Mandaue.

And to my fellow members, this year is not about my leadership. This year is about our leadership.

Together, we will strengthen our chapter. Together, we will elevate our impact. And together, we will bring JCI Mandaue to even greater heights.

Because we only have one year to lead. One year to inspire. One year to grow. One year to create impact that will last far beyond our term.

My dear gentle Jaycees, leadership is temporary. Titles will pass. Positions will change. But the impact we create together will last far beyond our one year to lead.

So tonight, I invite each one of you to walk this journey with me. Let us serve our community with passion. Let us support one another as brothers. Let us build relationships that will last a lifetime.

Because years from now, when people look back at 2026, my hope is that they will not remember just one President. They will remember a brotherhood of MerryMen who stood together.

And when our one year ends, when the banners come down, and when new leaders rise, may people say this about JCI Mandaue:

That was the year they did not just lead. That was the year they truly LED TO THE FULLEST.