To our National Treasurer of JCI-Philippines, JCI Sen. Ryan Ravanzo; Regional Vice President (RVP) for Davao Region JCI Mem. Ana Lim
(my 5k-ok batch); 2011 Area Vice President (AVP) JCI Mem. Norriane Lou S. Frondoza; 1983 LO President Crisente M. Ferolino; Incoming President JCI Mem. Oliver B. Makilang; Hon.
Japal J. Guiani, Jr.; Hon. Graham Nazer G. Dumama; our Past Presidents;
visiting chapters from JCI Gen. San Twinstar, JCI Davaoena Dabadaba; JCI Pagadian; JCI Central Davao; fellow JCI members; friends. Ladies and gentlemen,
assalamu alaykum warahmatullahi taala wah barakatuhu. Good evening!
When I was called on stage to
accept the responsibility on December 2010 as the 62nd chapter president of JCI Cotabato, I knew I would begin an
incredible and wonderful journey after being inducted as president. I knew I
would have to prepare to meet the challenges that will require my extreme
sacrifice. I knew too that controversy and drama are bound to happen. But then
I was ready to put my emotions and abilities to the test. It was never easy.
As a sweet shy type woman, it was really difficult leading a big organization
like JCI, standing there before the crowd, dealing with the media. I remember being
interviewed by the media, I was shaking. Mere existence of the media was making
me sick. But there is nothing more difficult than making tough decisions and
dealing with fellow members who sometimes complicate things more.
I started my journey as a chapter
president attending the President’s Academy in Tacloban on October 2010. During
my term, I have completed 32 projects through the collective efforts of my 2011 team. The entire year was filled with love as my team wholeheartedly and
unconditionally continued to serve and shared their valued time doing
well-worthy projects.
JCI Cotabato also received a 100% Efficiency Award during the National Convention held in Zamboanga on October 2011.
As my year as 2011 president is
about to end, I remember this quote (Theodor Seuss Geisel) “Don’t cry because
it’s over. Smile because it happened”. I hate goodbyes, but JCI president have
only one year to lead. My year as LO president is very short but exciting and
fulfilling. How time flies. It was indeed a bittersweet memory. I look back
with pride in all the achievements of JCI Cotabato. And for that , allow me to
thank the people behind this success. To all the project chairs, I am deeply
indebted to you for your selfless, untiring and unending support; my 2011 board,
words cannot express how thankful I am for your dedicated service; to the
following past presidents: Ricky, Mington and Lando - to the constant advice
and support, Donjie – for the New Members Orientation (NMO) that you conducted which I first attended
and made me understand JCI, Paul – you made me feel at home with JCI during
those times that I was shy, I remember how you convinced me to attend General Membership Meeting (GMM) when I
was still new and hesitant. Since then I kept coming back, Gurlie – I know we
have disagreements and we argue all the time especially when the topic of
protocol comes in. I consider that
healthy arguments though. Despite that, you never fail to be there. Thank you.
And Malot – if it were not for you, I would not be here. If you had not
introduced me to JCI, I would not be standing here. Thank you. To Jonathan,
though above Jaycee age, you still continue to show us your untiring support
and commitment to Jayceeism.
To the City Government, Rotary Club of Cotabato – South, Marine Battalion Landing Team - 7 (MBLT-7), the US Army, (DOH-ARMM) Dr. Jojo Sinolinding, LGU of Parang, Maguindanao, 37th IB, PDEA-ARMM and the PNP-ARMM –
for being our partners in the community service. Thank you for the support and commitment.
To incoming president Oliver B. Makilang and the incoming board of officers for 2012, congratulations
and the best wishes for the year ahead.
Mabuhay ang JCI Cotabato!
