Restoring limbs, rebuilding lives: JCI Manila organizes prosthetics project

MANILA, Philipines — In communities where access to specialized medical care remains limited, the loss of a limb often marks not just a physical setback, but a turning point that affects a person’s livelihood, independence and sense of dignity.

Through JCI Manila, a meaningful response takes shape in the form of Step Forward—a medical support initiative dedicated to restoring both mobility and hope.

Step Forward focuses on providing prosthetic limbs to amputees whose conditions stem from diabetes-related complications, vasculitis, lupus and skin cancer. These are not isolated cases, but realities faced by many Filipinos who continue to battle chronic illness with limited resources.

For them, receiving a prosthetic limb is more than a medical intervention—it is a chance to regain control over their lives, return to work, and once again support their families.

“Our projects at JCI Manila are designed to empower leaders to go beyond convention—driving innovation, fostering collaboration and creating sustainable impact. Anchored on the Lead Beyond pillar, each initiative equips individuals with the mindset, skills and opportunities to lead with purpose, inspire change and shape a better future for their communities and industries,” Edison Ke, JCI Manila president for 2026, said.

“We are here today at the Sta. Lucia Multi-purpose Hall in Pasig City to give back and help improve the quality of life of our beneficiaries. Through this initiative, we aim to ease the challenges faced by those who will receive prosthetic legs, empowering them to move forward with greater confidence and independence,” he added.

Ke further said, “We are truly grateful to everyone who generously shared their time and support to make this advocacy possible. This meaningful project of JCI Manila is a testament to the strong collaboration among its members and the invaluable contributions of our sponsors—especially the companies that wholeheartedly supported this cause.

For his part, David Ramos, 2026 director for Community Development of JCI Manila, expressed, “Under this pillar, we focus on key advocacies such as public health, education, medical missions, PWD support, elderly care, livelihood and equality. One of our main programs is Step Forward, which supports the PWD sector through prosthetic initiatives. We continue to roll out projects throughout the year, including a major public health activity on May 22 in Manila, offering free cancer screening, medication, and even operations for qualified patients.”

Ramos continued, “We have partnered with the Manila Health Department and medical institutions to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment for beneficiaries. From check-ups to advanced care, including cancer screening and referrals, we aim to provide accessible healthcare services. No matter how severe the condition, we are here to support and make sure no one is left behind,” Ramos added.

Wilson Gumban, member of JCI Manila and Project Chair of Restoring Limbs, Rebuilding Lives, on the other hand, said, “As a committed member of JCI Manila, initiated a fundraising effort among fellow members to support the provision of prosthetic legs for our PWD soldiers and civilians who are in need. This initiative is rooted in our shared mission to create real, lasting impact—restoring mobility, dignity and hope to individuals who have sacrificed or faced life-altering challenges.

"Through collective generosity and purposeful action, we aim to turn compassion into concrete support, proving that even small contributions, when united, can change lives in the most meaningful way.”

At its core, the project goes beyond simply distributing prosthetics. It embraces a holistic approach to care, recognizing that recovery involves more than physical rehabilitation.

Beneficiaries are supported through a continuum of services, including medical consultations, rehabilitation programs, and essential care designed to help them adapt and thrive in their daily environments.

This integrated support system ensures that each individual is not only equipped with a prosthetic limb but also empowered with the confidence and capability to move forward.

Driven by compassion and strengthened through partnerships, Step Forward reflects the power of community-driven action. It brings together volunteers, donors, healthcare professionals, and advocates who share a unified goal—to uplift lives and create sustainable impact.

Each step taken by a beneficiary becomes a testament to what collective effort can achieve.

Editor’s Note: This press release from JCI Manila is published by the Advertising Content Team that is independent from our Editorial Newsroom.