JCI, or Junior Chamber International, is a worldwide non-profit network of young active citizens aged 18 to 40 who build their leadership skills by running projects that improve their communities. JCI Philippines is its national organization in the country. It traces its roots to JCI Manila, formed in 1947, and today has local chapters, called local organizations, in cities and provinces across the Philippines. Members are often still called "Jaycees," from the group's old name, the Junior Chamber.
If you have heard of the TOYM awards or seen JCI volunteers at a tree planting or a youth forum, you have met JCI. Here is what it is, where it came from, and how it works on the ground in Capiz.
What is JCI?
JCI is a membership organization for young people who want to develop themselves by serving others. Members learn by doing: they plan and run projects, take leadership trainings, and hold officer roles that rotate every year.
JCI's international mission is "to provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change," and its vision is "to be the leading global network of young active citizens."
A short history
- 1915: On October 13, Henry Giessenbier and 32 other young men in St. Louis, Missouri, formed the Young Men's Progressive Civic Association, the group that would become the Junior Chamber movement.
- 1944: On December 11, representatives from eight countries in the Americas met in Mexico City and established Junior Chamber International. JCI tells the story on its history and legacy page.
- Today: JCI has members in more than 100 countries and holds consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and UNESCO.
The JCI Creed
JCI members around the world recite the JCI Creed at meetings and events. It reads:
We believe:
That faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life;
That the brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations;
That economic justice can best be won by free men through free enterprise;
That government should be of laws rather than of men;
That earth's great treasure lies in human personality;
And that service to humanity is the best work of life.
JCI Philippines: how it started
According to JCI Philippines, the JCI movement in the Philippines, and in Asia, began when JCI Manila was formed in 1947, after the Pacific War. The first national convention was held in 1949. It created the Philippine Jaycees, known today as JCI Philippines, and 22 more local organizations were chartered that year in key cities outside Manila.
Since then, JCI Philippines has grown into a national network of local organizations across the country.
The TOYM awards
JCI Philippines' best-known program is The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) awards. It began as a project of the Manila Jaycees in 1959 and was adopted nationally later that year at the 11th National Convention in Baguio. TOYM honors Filipinos aged 18 to 40 for outstanding work in their fields or communities. Women have been recognized since 1984, even though the award kept its original name.
Other JCI Philippines programs
JCI Philippines lists a range of national programs that local chapters can run or join, including:
- TOFARM, which recognizes outstanding farmers
- JCI Week, a nationwide week of chapter activities
- Creative Young Entrepreneur, for young business owners
- Projects tied to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, such as clean water, green projects and education. Learn more in our guide to the SDGs in the Philippines.
- Community programs such as Bags to School, Pinay Power and Beyond Prison Walls
How JCI Philippines is organized
JCI works on three levels:
- Local organizations (LOs). The chapter in your city or town, such as JCI Roxas Halaran. This is where members meet, plan and run projects.
- National organization. JCI Philippines sets national programs, trains members and holds conventions and awards.
- JCI (international). Connects national organizations around the world through area conferences, the yearly World Congress and international training.
Officers usually serve one-year terms, so members get many chances to lead. A member might chair a project one year, sit on the board the next, and run for chapter president after that.
The four areas of opportunity
JCI describes what it offers members in four areas:
- Individual: training in public speaking, project management and leadership. Start with our public speaking tips for first-time leaders.
- Community: projects that answer real local needs.
- Business: networking and skills for entrepreneurs and young professionals.
- International: conferences, exchanges and friendships with members abroad.
JCI in Capiz: JCI Roxas Halaran
JCI Roxas Halaran is a local organization of JCI Philippines based in Roxas City, Capiz. It was affiliated with JCI Philippines in March 2023, when the National Board approved its affiliation at the 2nd Special National Board Meeting, with JCI Roxas Makawiwili as its sponsoring chapter. The chapter's name is rooted in the word "offering," and it recalls the Halaran Festival, long the premier celebration of the city and province, which depicted the landing of the Bornean Datus. Read more in our Halaran festival guide.
Some of our flagship projects:
- Hot Meals on Wheels, our recurring feeding program, which has served residents of coastal barangays, runners, blood donors and the staff and senior detainees of BJMP San Jose. It was featured in The Leader Magazine.
- The Nutcracker, a benefit ballet concert with CAPA Dance Academy for ballet scholars and children with cancer, held in December 2023 and again in December 2024.
- IRONMEN Awards, a Father's Day recognition for men, first held at SM City Roxas on July 5, 2025, with a second edition on June 21, 2026.
- Coastline Cuts, a free haircut day in Brgy. Dumolog in June 2026 that served 107 people.
- "Be a Friend, Not a Bully", a project that teaches kindness and respect through games, stories and teamwork activities. See our explainer on the Anti-Bullying Act.
We also join projects led by others. In 2026 we joined CaPENRO's Provincial Arbor Day planting and served as resource partner for a Symposium on Men's Mental Health hosted by Leon Ganzon Polytechnic College.
Our chapter has also been recognized along the way:
- 2024: our first Quadro Award, Best Educational Program, for The Nutcracker, at the 44th Visayas Area Conference in Bohol. At the same Quadro Awards we were a Top 5 nominee for Most Outstanding Local Organization, Most Outstanding Local Organization Website and Most Outstanding Local Organization President.
- 2026: the JCIPEA Diamond Seal of Efficiency, the JCIPEA Gavel and the CWAS Implementation Award at the JCI Philippines National Convention in Zamboanga, plus the Sinagtala Award (1st Runner-Up) for Best Digital Marketing Campaign at the Temiong Awards, for our HALAD AUDIO LAB music library.
- Presidents: John Paul Sorongon was named a Star Local President in 2024, an award given at the JCI World Congress in Taiwan, and Lemuel Capa was recognized by JCI as a Star President in 2025.
Frequently asked questions
What does JCI stand for?
Junior Chamber International. Members are also called Jaycees, from "JC," short for Junior Chamber.
Who can join JCI Philippines?
JCI is open to people aged 18 to 40 who want to grow as leaders and serve their communities. You do not need prior leadership experience. Training is part of membership. Each local organization sets its own focus: JCI Roxas Halaran is an all-male chapter, open to men aged 18 to 40.
Is there a membership fee?
Yes. Members pay an annual fee that covers local and international dues. Rates vary by chapter, so ask your local organization for current amounts.
How is JCI different from a chamber of commerce?
Despite the name, JCI is not a business chamber. It is a leadership development organization for young people, open to students, employees, professionals and entrepreneurs alike. Business skills are one of four areas it offers, alongside individual growth, community projects and international connections.
Join JCI in Capiz
If you are a man aged 18 to 40 and want to lead, learn and give back to Capiz, there is a place for you. Become a member of JCI Roxas Halaran, or see our projects to find out what we do.
