JCI Kagayhaan Gold Running History

Armed with the training from the Philippine Junior Jaycees and the sponsorship of the Bai Lawanen Jaycees, Inc., a group of young professionals and the so-called “old guards” of the Metro Cagayan de Oro Junior Jaycees, banded together and formed a new Jaycee chapter in the city. The chapter needed a name. Of the different versions of the legendary meaning of the name of Cagayan de Oro, the word Kagayhaan which means enviable town was the unanimous choice. The group likes to think of the city where it belongs as enviable, literally because of the gold deposits found in the area and figuratively because of the “golden heart” and the “golden friendship” of the people.

The chapter was chartered on April 16, 1988. The club was built around projects focusing on each area of opportunity; attendance in area and national conventions; visitations to other Jaycee chapters; and building linkages with private and government entities. But a more solid achievement was that of developing a cohesive and strong commitment among the members, which is in itself are vital ingredients for a Jaycee chapter.

On its founding year, the group had taken the theme: Roots in ‘88. Like a tree, it has to take roots first in the Jaycee life before it can bear fruit. The administrative year of JCI Sen. Tito Alex C. Besinga brought the LOM into great heights. It aimed in focusing its goals towards public relations, community involvement, and inter-chapter relations.

Value Integration for the Community Involvement in 1989 (VICI ‘89) was the theme for its second year. To provide continuity for its programs and to build a foundation with a vision made the group retain its set of officers. The group created a culture with right values which the chapter has to consider in the management of its programs to serve the community.

Like a child learning how to walk, there are a lot of skills to be learned. Thus, the term of JCI Sen. Roy S. Rosales in 1990 focused on management and individual training—tackling issues involving aspects of interpersonal membership among its members. However, it also implemented a project: The Outstanding Senior Citizen Achievement Award (TOSCA). During this year, the LOM was adjudged as the Most Outstanding New LOM in Asia Pacific during the Asia Pacific Conference in Chiang Mai, Thailand.


In the year 1991, KGJCI was hot in pursuit of once more making a difference. With the theme: Harmonious and Enhancing Activities Together in 1991 (HEAT ‘91), and under the leadership of JCI Sen. Herbert Glenn P. Reyes, the chapter organized its first scholarship program: A Thousand for a Lifetime Scholarship Foundation. The very successful ways and means project—Golden Home Pabahay Raffle—were a few examples of the worthwhile projects undertaken.

The chapter changed direction towards social participation, hence, JCI Sen. Porfirio O. Borromeo, Jr. led a term aimed for the recognition of the chapter as an organization which can assist the development of the city. This is in line with its theme: Responsive Endeavour for Social Participation of the Organization for National Development in 19991-1992 (RESPOND ‘92). The chapter was recognized as an accredited NGO; became a member of the City Development Council and the Regional Development Council; and implemented programs for individual, chapter, and community developments.

Sustaining the Organization’s Network for Growth and Services in 1993 (SONGS ‘93) was the theme of the chapter led by JCI Sen. Danilo B. Tan. It implemented projects for Senator Awardees and created guidelines which will be used in the future. These brought stability in the chapter’s program.

The year led by JC Gary B. Pantanosas aimed to Plan Resource Opportunities and Continue Efforts towards Excellence to be Global in 1994 (PROCEED ‘94). It practically used its resources to the fullest for the successful implementation of projects like The Outstanding Senior Citizens Achievement Award (TOSCA) and the fundraising project Home—Kong Give—Away. It was during this term that the LOM was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

JCI Sen. Nelson E. Escaba lead a year of Sharing Our Unselfish Leadership in 1995 (SOUL ‘95). It focused its programs on individual development and international participation to support the National Executive Vice-President for Area V Tito Alex C. Besinga, who was the LOM Charter President.

The eight year is a milestone in KGJCI as JCI Sen. Ada Ba?ez Drummer led to become the first lady president. The lady president, together with the members, worked so hard so that Kagayhaan Reaps Gold in 1996. It balanced its undertakings in all five areas of opportunities and addressed issues of member retention and recruitment.

The ninth year (1997) is again led by another lady president in the person of JCI Sen. Jovencia M. Dalaygon. In order to be globally competitive, this term gave emphasis on SYNERGY by creating opportunities for individual members and achieve its thrust. This also brought leaders to training, community service, and business networking. The LOM increased its membership to Category II, forming a new horizon in exploring the quest for excellence.

In 1998, JC Noel A. Dajao led Kagayhaan Gold. The year’s thrust was TIME IS GOLD: Teaching Individuals Management Excellence is a Golden Opportunity for Development. The chapter concretized this through training and implementing quality projects that made Kagayhaan Gold more responsive to its members and the community.

With the LOM theme TRAINED TO LEAD: The Right Attitude Is Needed to Enhance and Develop Leaders In 1999, President Mennen Aracid’s term focused on training and retention of chapters nationwide, especially in Mindanao. His determination to spread Jayceeism brought him as far as Malaysia. Thus, he finished his term as the Most Outstanding LOM President (Category II) during the Area Conference at Kidapawan, South Cotabato.

The tiniest president ever came about in the year 2000. JC Cristina “Tiny” Maagad became the 12th president of the chapter. As the third lady of the chapter, she continued the institutionalized projects of the chapter like TOSCA.

2001 was a golden year for the chapter because KGJCI was awarded as the Most Outstanding LOM (Category III) consistently in the Area Conference and the National Convention. This reflects the leadership of the 13th president , JC Magi Caroline Ann T. Mendoza. With the LOM theme: Progressive Leadership in Understanding Self for Service, the chapter focused on membership retention and recruitment. This resulted to a more cohesive and creative membership. The activities in all areas of opportunities brought about the best in every KGJCI who elected to be involved.

Again in 2002, the task of retaining members and continuing the cause of the movement was given to the LOM’s 14th President Dinah Magallanes. It was
on this term that most of the member’s energy was stretched to its limits, while
others opted to be on the sidelines. The LOM theme for that year was JC CARES: Committed Attitude in Retention, Empowerment, and Service.

A young yet multi-awarded chapter could not just afford to be wiped out of the Jaycee Directory. Armed with nothing but passion of serving the chapter, President Michael Abonitalla accepted the role to lead the KGJCI for the year 2003. Holding on to Category III with the theme KGJCI LEADS: Leadership Enhancement towards the Achievement of a Developed Society, this administration gave hope and inspiration for aspiring future leaders. A cry to improve the chapter's standings and involvement was heard—faint but hopeful. His leadership was able to ensure orderly and peaceful transition to the next administration.

2004 was a year of increased shared responsibility and coordinated action among the Kagayhaan Gold members through ongoing dynamic interchange between leadership and followership. With unwaveringdedication and commitment, President Aileen Parohinog set the stage for making the chapter a fertile ground for leadership trainings along the four areas of opportunity. Because of her determination and enthusiasm to partake in the Jaycee movement, she was successful in carving a niche in the national and international domain bringing with her the name of the chapter. The chapter attracted and retained enthusiastic and dynamic members because this term offered a properly crafted learning environment where leadership skills and individual potentials could be best honed and harnessed.

The 19th year of Junior Chamber International Kagayhaan Gold adopted the theme: “Together, Everyone Achieves More”. Led by JCI Mem. Robinson P. Masangcay, the chapter had successfully implemented various projects through shared commitment of the members. Among these projects is the recruitment program where it produced dynamic and committed members. Thus, a significant increased in the membership was attained.