Je as I fondly call him (but mostly Jerald to his friends and family), is an extraordinary member who has achieved remarkable feats in his JCI life. He is a talented artist/developer, a passionate entrepreneur, and an inspiring leader. Since his BJC journey in 2015, he has explored various aspects of JCI not only in Culiat but also in the National Office. Jerald was one of my students who I have invited to join JCI. He, Dane Morales and Sam Manaloto+ were among the dedicated ones of Batch SAF who successfully pursued their opportunities in the organization. He took the opportunity of being a part of JCI to further boost his self-confidence and self-esteem as he finds himself a bit reserved and timid growing up. I was the head of 2015 Area 1 Conference “Feel the Change ‘’ registration committee when I involved Jerald, Dane and Sam+. They developed the 1st ever Online Registration of Area 1 Conference. That was the beginning of everything else. I got very close to their batch as we spent hours in Cagayan presenting the system to all Area 1 presidents and members. Through the long hours of ingress and waiting, I got to have more lunch and dinner dates with them – listening to our never ending stories but mostly were just my “hugot”. Yes, I have given Je the license to make “sermon sa akin”.
A Talented Artist and Developer, In and Out of Culiat
Jerald is a talented artist and developer who has been very active in developing websites and other multimedia projects from photography, videography and post editing. He has supported Culiat on many projects. He became the resident multimedia guy of Culiat ever since he documented projects such as Drive with Dad, Goal Project, Tigtigan Terakan, Obrang Culiat and other job fairs, Petstival, Pamiabe-abe, Talastasang Culiat, BOD photoshoots, and more. His contribution in web development of JCI Angeles City Culiat has been praised for his unique style and work. The chance given to him by the 2022 Board of Directors made a remarkable change in his purpose in the organization. The chapter’s website was finally recognized again in 2022 Temiong Awards with the SINAGTALA Award as the Most Outstanding Local Organization Website through the bid Hello World: Culiat greets the world. Beyond the recognition, Jerald plans to continuously develop the website and aims to keep it 100% operational and updated with members directory, BOD and Directors’ profiles, and maximize the platform for Culiat’s partners and sponsors. He also believes that organizations like JCI should give due importance in building their website as it is the best digital platform organizations can actually own and showcase their accomplishments, services, and value to the world. As of writing, Culiat’s website (jciculiat.org) is completely accessible and may be navigated. It is interlinked to Culiat’s other social media accounts such as Facebook, Instagram, and issuu.com (for Bulung Culiat releases).
A Passionate Entrepreneur
Je In addition to being a talented developer, Jerald is also an ambitious entrepreneur. He has started several successful businesses, ranging from multimedia projects, tarts business, to a clothing line. He juggles all these things, on top of the many facets of his JCI career. He also considers his work in Culiat’s website as one of his valued craft in his portfolio. Putting his design out there has showcased what a Filipino talent and a Culiat member can do. Jerald Salazar is also an inspiring leader who has been recognized for his leadership skills. He has been involved in various community projects. Je’s leadership skills have earned him the respect of those around him. He strongly values the mission of JCI – to create positive change, as he embodies this not only in the chapter but also in his personal life and career. Je is the most humble person I have ever met. He is very grateful to the chapter for all the great opportunities given to him. As he shared, “I want to take this opportunity to thank the Culiat Family, specially to BOD 2022, BOD 2023 and Branding Team. Without your support, our Culiat Website will not be possible and successful”. His accomplishments as a member, commissioner, and director are a testament to the person that he is. He serves as an inspiration to many, despite him always working behind the lenses, away from the spotlight.
