25 years of Aklan Jayceeism

25 years of Aklan Jayceeism

By: Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentin


A PROVINCE WIDE state of calamity in Aklan wrought about by a tropical depression in August 1973 moved a group of youthful professionals to form themselves a salvation team to answer the call of the flood victims of the province.
The acts of the young professionals took the people's admiration.
The stirrings for leadership training and deep invlovement in social action did not end with their participation in the rehabilitation of Aklan as a consequence of the tropical depression's devastations. Inspired by the obsession to develop themselves by helping develop the community where they live, the Aklan "Kalantiao" Jaycees was born.
Organized by a young UP College of Law graduate and now Aklan Congressman Allen Salas Quimpo, then on his second year of law practice after passing the l970 Bar Examinations, a series of meetings were held in month of October 1973 culminating in the birth of the Aklan Jaycees . But it was not until September 8, l974 when the Aklan Jaycees had their charter presentation and induction of officers at the Hotel Ati-atihan at Buswang Old, Kalibo, Aklan.
Inducted charter officers and directors were Allen S. Quimpo, president; Amado I Kimpo, Jr. executive vice president, Gil C. Acevedo, secretary, Roberto I. Acevedo, treasurer, Edito L. Balbastro, auditor, Selmar S. Maribojo, P.R.O. Roy Y. Martelino, legal counsel, Inducted charter directors were Ramonito L. Balbastro, Emiliano S. Acevedo, Franklin A. Pastrana, Rafael Solidum, Jose M. Taningco, Jr. and Victor L. Balbastro. Rustico Meñez, Jose Magallanes, Jr and Federico Ibabao, II. Charter member of Aklan Jaycees are Orville L. Gabuna Eugenio L. Mirto, Ronquillo C. Tolentino, Rey S. Quimpo, Desposorio P. Maagma Jr. Jose Loresco. Daniel Y. Martelino, Dionesio Q. Laserna, Roberto Quimpo, Jose Magnabijon, Manuel F. Ang, Reynaldo Sarabia, Landelino B. Meñez, Roberto C. Regalado, Salvador Mabasa, Tony Ang and Ramos C. Venus.
The Aklan Jaycees suffered organization birth pains that certain people predicted its early demise. But the pioneers of Jayceeism in Aklan proved them wrong. Today, in its 25th year, the Aklan Jaycees is very vibrant.
Since its inception, the Aklan “Kalantiao” Jaycees had been in the forefront of various activities that include environmental concerns, human rights, economic and community development, leadership training, civic endeavors, organization management participation in the Aklan “Kalantiao Jaycees is a recipient of various awards from the Western Visayas Jaycees, National Jaycee (JCP) and Jaycee International (JCI).
The Charter president and past presidents who served the Aklan “Kalantiao” Jaycees are the following: Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, Charter President; Dr. Armado I Kimpo, 1976; Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, 1977; Mr. Selmar S Maribojo,1978; Mr. Jose M. Taningco, Jr., 1979; Atty. Santiago R. Regalado, 1980; Mr. Roberto I. Acevedo, 1981; Mr. Sauel F. Fernandez, 1982; Mr. Gil c. Acevedo, 1983; Mr. Ramon C. Venus, 1984; Mr. Wayne T. Malilay, 1985; Mr. Valtimor D. Conanan, 1986; Mr. Renato L. Mirto, 1987; Mr. Placido M. Tolentino, 1988; Mr. Peter I. Kimpo, 1989; Mr. Ramon L. Villariza, 1990. Mr. Rene Rey M. Martelino, 1991; Engr. Marlon Julius E. Lao, 1992; Ms. Maria Jessie P. Rapiz, 1993; Dr. Arthur A. Salido, 1994; Atty. Emmanuel L. Sodusta, 1995; Mr. Jesse S. Quimpo, 1996; Archt. Jose Rey M. Arada, 1997; Mr. Antero R. Arboleda, 1998.