CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga | The Philippines has welcomed thousands of young leaders from around the world as Clark hosts the 2026 Junior Chamber International (JCI) World Congress from November 11 to 15, marking the country’s return as host after 28 years and the first time the international gathering has been held outside Metro Manila.
The opening ceremony took place on November 11 at the Clark Parade Grounds, bringing together approximately 5,000 participants from 120 countries for five days of leadership development, international cooperation, networking and civic engagement.
Delivering President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s message, Department of Budget and Management Secretary Kim Robert De Leon welcomed the delegates and emphasized Clark’s growing importance as an international convention and tourism destination. The President also urged participants to translate the ideas, partnerships and experiences gained during the gathering into concrete initiatives that would benefit communities.
Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay, speaking on behalf of the Department of Tourism and the Filipino people, highlighted the role of young leaders in promoting cooperation across cultures and advancing community development.
Registration figures as of November 10 showed nearly 5,000 participants, including 3,812 delegates from the Asia-Pacific region. Japan accounted for the largest national delegation, with more than 1,900 participants. Organizers projected attendance of more than 6,000 delegates from over 120 countries.
The event marks the Philippines’ return as host after the 53rd JCI World Congress was held in Manila from November 15 to 21, 1998, attracting approximately 4,500 international delegates. The milestone coincided with the 50th anniversary of JCI Philippines, formerly known as the Philippine Jaycees.
JCI traces its origins to October 13, 1915, when Henry Giessenbier Jr. established the Young Men’s Progressive Association in St. Louis, Missouri, in the United States. The movement subsequently developed into an international organization dedicated to leadership development, civic participation and community service. Its membership is generally open to young people aged 18 to 40.
Clark’s selection as host reflects its expanding capacity to accommodate international gatherings. In 2025, the Freeport recorded 1.51 million tourists and overnight guests, while 196 events attracted more than 538,000 attendees. Clark also received recognition as Asia’s Leading Meetings and Conference Destination at the 32nd annual World Travel Awards.
Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera led the corporation’s support for the event, joined by Vice Presidents Jose Miguel de la Rosa, Atty. Noelle Mina Meneses, Atty. Gloria Victoria Yap-Taruc and retired Police Major General Lina Sarmiento, along with other CDC officials.
Beyond international exposure, the congress is expected to generate business opportunities for Clark’s hotels, restaurants, tourism operators and local enterprises while providing a platform for cultural exchange and stronger international partnerships.
The five-day gathering runs until November 15.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
