by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM
The Aklan Kalantiaw Jaycees under the umbrella arm of Junior Chamber International (JCI) held its 34th annual induction program and turnover ceremonies at Adees’ Place, Capitol Site, Kalibo on December 9, 2012. Sworn into office were the 2013 set of officers led by Ms. Cheng M. Ocampo as President. The affair was attended by 60 officers and members majority of whom are young professionals, career executives and businessmen.
The event was marked with the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing of mangrove reforestation project between Chairman Allen S. Quimpo of Kalibo Save the Mangroves Association (KASAMA) and JCI represented by Ms. Cheng M. Ocampo and Mr. Ryan C. Ravanzo, National President. Mr. Rodolfo Baclay, Jr., Area Vice Pres. for Visayas and Ms. Shannah Leigh I. Octaviano, Reg’l Vice Pres. for Western Visayas witnessed the ceremonies. Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, 1977 President Aklan Jaycees came later.
The major advocacy of the Jaycees is marine and wildlife conservation to minimize negative impact of global warming especially in coastal communities, said Ms. Ocampo. The 2.0 hectares mudflat in New Buswang, Kalibo will be planted to 6,000 propagules of bakawan specie and utilize as youth training of Kasama in leadership and capability building, Ms. Ocampo pointed out. Eventually this will provide safe haven for wildlife and breeding/spawning ground of several marine species. The estimated cost to plant and manage one hectare is P23,000.
Mr. Ravanzo lauded the efforts of the Kalantiaw Jaycees to use their resources and skill in a national re-greening program of the government. He reported that their local Jaycees Chapter in Dagupan City have similar mangrove reforestation program that led to improve fisheries catch and reduce coastal erosion. He pledged that under his leadership all 118 Chapters with 7,000 members will be encouraged to come and visit the multi-awarded Bakawan Eco Park of Kalibo.
Atty. Quimpo said that it takes only simple logic and purposive will to work with nature. From a barren 50 hectares mudflat in 1983, we mobilized fisherfolk families to plant mangrove propagules. Aklan river is known to deposit rich sediments of sand and silt during rainy season. As the size and shape of the river delta expanded, we labor hard in our reforestation efforts.
Fortunately, NGOs and POs plus foreign and domestic funding came in so we are able to plant 110 hectares. Today, the site is favorite tourists’ attraction with facilities like 900 meters boardwalk, reception area, charcoal processing plant and marketing center. The resident fisherfolks have augmented their income by catching crabs, shrimps and collecting shellfishes. This is apart from their regular wages as workers. Another plus factor is thriving angel wing clam (diwae) in Pook and Caano previously found only in neighboring province of Capiz.
The Jaycees with its mission to provide development opportunities that empowers young people to create positive change has all the potentials to achieve them. To their credit are youthful dynamics, dedication and creativity. It is significant that Jayceesm is founded in Aklan by Atty. Allen S. Quimpo on September 8, 1974. The operation went on smoothly in the beginning until 2005, then suffered a decline or hiatus for 5 years. It was finally revived in 2010 through the initiative of concerned individuals.
Atty. Tolentino said that its advocacies are mainly on environment, human rights, economic and community development, leadership and management training. Based on data, there are 5,000 local organizations in more than 100 countries worldwide with 200,000 active members.
To our friends in Kalantiaw Jaycees, congratulations and more power! /MP
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