Manila Jaycees give 600 special children post-Valentine treat

MANILA, Philippines - Around 600 special children in Manila were given a post-Valentine’s Day treat yesterday by the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Manila, a non-profit organization of young leaders and entrepreneurs known for its community service.

The special children, students of several schools in Manila, played various games and were taught how to swim at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. Mayor Alfredo Lim and celebrities Cesar Montano, Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez graced the charity event, dubbed “Project Handog Lingap.” The project, started in 1997, was originally meant to be a late Christmas gift-giving event for Valentine’s Day.

JCI president Kenneth Delbert Lim said the project was in line with their mission of effecting positive change in the community and part of the celebration of National Intellectual Disability Week, in coordination with participating Manila schools and the Department of Education’s special education division.

JCI Manila, more popularly known as Manila Jaycees, was established in 1947 and aims to develop the leadership abilities of men aged 18 to 40 through community service. Its first official project was the cleanup of Manila following World War II.

Among the most prominent members of the Manila Jaycees are Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and SM founder Henry Sy.