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Mati City, Davao Oriental — Set against the pristine shores of Davao Oriental, the 2025 JCI Philippines Area Convention unfolded from September 5 to 7, 2025, bringing together hundreds of young leaders from across Mindanao. With its bold theme, “Surf. Swim. Lead.”, the convention combined the spirit of coastal adventure with the call to nurture leadership for impact.
Amid the vibrant gatherings and plenary sessions, JCI Davao stood tall—not just as participants, but as hosts, trainers, and victors. The chapter’s strong delegation of 20 members, ranging from eager baby Jaycees to officers serving in regional, area, and national councils, came home with stories of fellowship, growth, and a historic tally of awards.
A Weekend of Fellowship and Discovery
The convention opened with flair at Kaia Beach Villas, where JCI Davao hosted the much-anticipated Opening Night. Delegates from across Mindanao arrived at a festive welcome by the sea, setting the tone for a weekend of connection and celebration.
The following day, the spotlight shifted to Pujada Island, where the crystal-clear waters became the backdrop for The Odyssey—an innovative leadership training held amid nature’s beauty. Here, JCI Davao’s very own Jerry Acido, Jr., a proud Gabay Graduate, rose as head trainer. Guiding participants alongside fellow Gabay alumni from other chapters, Acido transformed the island into a classroom of resilience and collaboration.
For JCI Davao’s baby Jaycees, this was more than just training; it was an initiation into the transformative journey of leadership development. From team challenges to reflective exercises, the Odyssey left participants inspired, grounded, and eager to take on bigger responsibilities in the future.
The fellowship did not end there. On top of the Opening Night, JCI Davao once again became the chapter of hospitality by hosting the Fellowship Night after the Gawad Mindanao Awards. Delegates celebrated victories and built new friendships, proving once again that leadership in JCI thrives not only in projects and programs, but also in the bonds that sustain them.
A Night to Remember: Gawad Mindanao Awards
If the fellowship and training sessions built memories, the Gawad Mindanao Awards Night at a57 Techno Park built history. The atmosphere was electric—delegates in their finest attire filled the venue, waiting in suspense as winners were announced one by one.
For JCI Davao, the night was nothing short of extraordinary. With every call of the chapter’s name, the cheers grew louder, and the pride of its members swelled higher. By the close of the evening, JCI Davao had cemented its reputation as a powerhouse, earning an impressive 10 Agung Awards, 2 Gabbang Merit Awards, and 8 Top 5 Nominations.
🏆 Agung Awards
- Best JCI Local Organization Publication — The Quill Above and Beyond
- Best JCI Local Organization Website — All-In Online: JCI Davao’s Commitment to Digital Innovation and Member Empowerment
- Best Public Health Program — Sa Tulong Mo, Makakalakad Ako
- Best Public Relations Program — Autismbilities PH: A Spectrum of Possibilities
- Best Growth and Development Program — Giving Empowerment to Members (GEMs)
- Best Food Security and Sustainability Program — Project VegStable: Nourishing Our Growing Urban Community, Cultivating Food Security
- Best International Cooperation Project — Ecotone: International Conference for Interdisciplinary Science and Environmental Solutions
- Best International Human Duties Project — Happy Feet 2025: Steps of Service
- Most Outstanding JCI Local Organization President (Category 1) — All In
- Best of the Best JCI Local Organization President — Engr. Anthony John Christopher “AJ” Castro
🎖️ Gabbang Merit Awards
- Best International Development Program — LeaDavao
- Most Outstanding JCI Local Organization (Category 1)
✨ Top 5 Nominations
- Best Civic Involvement Program — Tanglaw Natin Ang Talikud Year 2
- Best Educational Program — ScienSaya: Empowering the Bajdao Community Through Science and Education
- Best Animal Welfare Program — Project Malaya
- Best Inclusivity Program for Persons with Disabilities — Kamp Pag-Asa 2025: Camp PMAG
- Best Fundraising Program — Happy Feet
- Most Outstanding Project Chairperson — Chair Lon: The Vanguard of Sustainability
- Best Local Individual Development Program — The J.E.D.I. Trilogy: Elevating Leadership, Transcending Limits, Catalyzing Excellence
- Most Outstanding New Member — Jerry Creating Impact: From Newbie to Empowering Leader
The night’s crowning moment came when Engr. AJ Castro, JCI Davao’s 2025 Local Organization President, was named Best of the Best Local Organization President. The announcement was met with thunderous applause, not only for Castro’s personal achievement but also as a symbol of JCI Davao’s collective journey under his leadership.
Beyond the Trophies: The Heart of JCI Davao
For the members of JCI Davao, these recognitions were more than just victories to display—they were a reminder of the countless hours of dedication, collaboration, and service that went into every project.
As one baby Jaycee reflected after the event: “Hearing JCI Davao called again and again during the awards was overwhelming. It wasn’t just about winning—it was about realizing that the projects we built together really mattered.”
Indeed, each award represented a story: a scholarship granted, a community served, a life changed, a leader empowered. And while the trophies glittered under the lights of Techno Park, what truly shone that evening was the spirit of JCI Davao itself.
Looking Ahead with Renewed Purpose
The Area Convention in Mati was not simply a weekend of activities—it was an affirmation. From the island shores of Pujada to the stage lights of Techno Park, JCI Davao demonstrated that leadership is about balance: learning and teaching, celebrating and striving, being recognized and continuing to serve.
As the chapter looks forward to the months ahead, carrying home not only accolades but also memories, it does so with renewed determination. With projects that continue to touch lives and leaders who continue to inspire, JCI Davao is set to keep making waves—not just in Mindanao, but across the nation.
For JCI Davao, the 2025 Area Convention in Mati will be remembered not only as a time of victories, but as a turning tide—where fellowship, leadership, and recognition converged into a powerful reminder of why they serve: to be all in, above and beyond.
