JCI Manila launches Project CPAG (Cerebral Palsy Awareness Group) this month in line with Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month

Junior Chamber International (JCI) Manila, a leadership development organization dedicated to creating positive change in communities, has launched Project CPAG (Cerebral Palsy Awareness Group) this month in line with Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month. The group aims to continue to increase knowledge and raise awareness of the public on cerebral palsy and provide support for marginalized families with children who have cerebral palsy (CP). The chapter began helping the CP community in 2015 and pioneered programs under the Golden Heart initiative

Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect a person's ability to move and maintain balance and posture. It is the most common motor disability in childhood and is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately 1-4 cases of CP in every 1,000 live births.

Through Project CPAG, JCI Manila aims to help families have access to relevant medical practices by publishing an easy-to-read, three-part children's book series highlighting the Bobath Approach, a type of physiotherapy treatment that aims to improve movement and mobility in patients with damage to their central nervous system. The books will be published in Filipino and will contain theories and illustrations of best practices by Dr. Pablo Beleen, a renowned international specialist in the treatment of cerebral palsy and pediatric rehabilitation. Dr. Beleen has been practicing the Bobath approach in the Philippines for over 15 years.

Hon.Vice Mayor Yul Servo

The first book will focus on raising awareness about cerebral palsy and showcase the endeavors of a CP patient. The second will feature the perspectives and challenges of caregivers. Finally, the third will bring to life how it takes a village and a lot of compassion in providing the best life CP patients could experience by introducing the community of CP patients. The books will be launched in a symposium on April 26, 2023, at the San Andres Sports Complex with speakers discussing the Bobath method, developmental pediatrics, and the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWD).

"With Project CPAG, we aim to raise awareness of cerebral palsy and provide knowledge and access to relevant medical practices. We hope to make a difference in the lives of our CP beneficiaries and their families," said Bobbit Castro, JCI Manila CPAG Project Chairman.

Dr.Pablo Beleen, International Specialist for Child Rehabilitation

JCI Manila is collaborating with the Manila City Government through the office of Hon. Mayor Honey Lacuna and Hon. Vice Mayor Yul Servo to select 100 cerebral palsy patients who will benefit from Project CPAG. JCI Manila will also distribute the books to local government hospitals and health and welfare offices in the project's initial phase.

"I would like to extend my gratitude to JCI-Manila for selecting the city of Manila as the primary beneficiary of their Project CPAG. This initiative is a significant help for families with CP patients, especially those in the marginalized sector. We are committed to supporting JCI-Manila in this project," said Hon. Vice Mayor Yul Servo.

Chairman of Project CPAG, Bobbit Castro

While there is no cure for cerebral palsy, treatment can improve the lives of those with the condition. It is crucial to begin a treatment program as early as possible. With the launch of Project CPAG, JCI Manila is taking a significant step in raising awareness and providing support for cerebral palsy patients in the Philippines.

You can help support this project by getting in touch with Jun Enriquez, Marketing Director for Project CPAG at  09175333187 or emailing  jci.projectcpag@gmail.com or visiting  www.jcimanila.org or JCI Manila’s official Facebook page.

 

JCI Manila and Gold Seas Tuna Chunks launches Sea of Life Museum

JCI Manila, in partnership with Gold Seas Tuna Chunks, launches the first and artificial underwater exhibition that will become artificial coral reefs on Nov 24 at Tingloy, Batangas .

In 2011, Junior Chamber International (JCI) Manila launched project Sea of Life. lt is a marine environment awareness effort through artificial reefs deployment, coral transplantation, mangrove planting, coastal clean-up, and marine environmental awareness seminars.


Introducing the country’s first and official underwater reef exhibition that aims to revive marine life, protect the beach, boost ecotourism, and provide jobs in a green economy.

Driven by passion and science, the country has taken an important step down a very long and difficult road, but the journey has now unquestionably begun.

JCI Manila has been closely working with various government and environmental agencies to ensure feasibility of this project to deploy locally designed underwater sculptures that will serve as artificial reefs.


Sea of Life Museum is presented by JCI Manila and Gold Seas Tuna Chunks, supported by Chivas Regal and NAVSOG(Philippine Navy Seals), in cooperation with the PHILIPPINE NAVY, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Municipality of Tingloy.



Gold Seas Tuna Chunks' dedication to responsible and sustainable fishing practices, which has enabled it to be certified dolphin-safe, has expanded this commitment to help rehabilitate Philippine coral reefs and revive the rich marine ecosystem.

Artwork with a Purpose 

The Philippines is considered a center of marine biodiversity in the world, with coral-reefs stretching 26,000 kms nurturing more species of fish and corals than any other marine environment on earth. At present, reef degradation caused by factors such as pollution, coral bleaching, destruction of mangroves, and unsustainable fishing methods have affected the Philippines’ coral reefs. Only 5% of the Philippines’ coral reefs remain in good condition.

It can take thousands of years for natural coral reefs to regenerate. Long-lasting, artificial reefs are a useful and faster way to help restore the reef systems to a natural and productive balance. These multi-purpose artworks will help serve the function of natural coral reefs: serve as nurseries for growing fish and protect the shoreline from erosion. They can also help to boost eco-tourism, and proVide jobs in a green economy.

Supporting Marine Life 


Since then, Sea of Life has made a positive environmental impact in marine ecosystems in Batangas, Bohol, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Cebu, and lloilo. This month, Sea of Life is set to launch the first ever underwater exhibition that aims to rehabilitate corals.

It has taken the exhibition almost two years to fully be installed in order to ensure that best practices are applied according to all government and environmental compliance requirements.

Travel to Drop Site 

In coordination with the Philippine Navy, the BRP Gregorio Velasquez or AGR 702, an ' essive 279 feet long vessel with hydrographic survey and maritime research ' ' ”es, will transport the sculptures to the installation site. From Pier 13 at Port Area. e AGR702, complete with a crew of mariners. will set off for the waters of Tingloy, Batangas.


Sea of Life
The Philippines is considered a center of marine biodiversity in the world, with coral reefs stretching 26,000 kms nurturing more species of fish and corals than any other marine environment on earth. At present, reef degradation caused by factors such as pollution, coral bleaching, destruction of mangroves, and unsustainable fishing methods have affected the Philippines’ coral reefs. Only 5% of the Philippines’ coral reefs remain in good condition.

It can take thousands of years for natural coral reefs to regenerate. Long-lasting, artificial reefs are a useful and faster way to help restore the reef systems to a natural and productive balance. These multi-purpose artworks will help serve the function of natural coral reefs: serve as nurseries for growing fish and protect the shoreline from erosion. They can also help to boost eco-tourism, and provide jobs in a green economy.

Through the support of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Philippine Navy, Coast Guard and various LGUs, JCI Manila in partnership with Gold Seas Tuna Chunks will deploy locally designed underwater sculptures that will serve as artificial reefs initially in the waters off the shores of Tingloy, Batangas.