MALAPASCUA ISLAND, Cebu – Guided by the thought, “If we’re going far, let’s go all in,” JCI Cebu completed a landmark initiative on Malapascua Island, a remote community four hours by land and thirty minutes by boat from Cebu City. The project marks a bold step in bringing sustainable, meaningful change to underserved areas.
In September 2024, Vice President Nel Luceno and Community Development Director Aljon Malinis launched “Laag2x with Community Projects,” aiming to blend exploration with genuine service. “We were careful at first. Reaching far-flung areas meant real challenges,” Luceno admitted. “But we promised to make this year count.”
Before deploying any program, the JCI Cebu team took the time to immerse themselves in the local culture. They lived with the residents, listened to stories, and carefully identified urgent needs. The resulting projects were customized to deliver real, lasting change.
The Malapascua initiative covered seven priority areas: medical missions, dental hygiene campaigns, solid waste management training, arts therapy, book donations, feeding programs, and school supply distribution. One standout effort was the house-to-house visits conducted by Dr. Niño Jesse Villanueva and his medical team to reach residents unable to attend the main event.
The collaboration extended beyond service delivery—local teachers, parents, and barangay leaders were engaged in every stage of the project, ensuring community ownership and sustainability. Their active participation helped strengthen trust and deepen the impact of each initiative.
With just 22 passionate volunteers, JCI Cebu made a tangible difference in the lives of hundreds. A local partner shared, “Malapascua is now one island forever etched in our hearts.”
This powerful campaign signals only the beginning. With renewed motivation, JCI Cebu is set to bring the same purposeful energy to Alcantara and Bantayan Island. As Luceno declared, “We’re just getting started. Tara, laag pa more with purpose!”
