Bags to School JCI Program: Empowering Education, Transforming Futures

Bags to School (BTS) is a flagship initiative of JCI Philippines designed to support the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Inclusive and quality education for all. BTS aims to ease economic barriers so that young learners in underserved communities can attend school prepared, confident, and ready to learn.

Whether through backpacks, pens, or paper, BTS ensures children don’t just show up, they thrive.

Why Bags to School Matters

Many Filipino students from vulnerable areas face financial struggles that make even basic school supplies a luxury. BTS addresses three crucial needs:

• Financial relief for families: BTS covers back-to-school expenses, giving parents peace of mind.
• Boosted student participation: Equipped learners are more likely to attend regularly and be engaged.
• Stronger community support: BTS brings together volunteers, sponsors, and educators to build a culture of educational empowerment.

A Nationwide Local Driven Movement

BTS is a national flagship, but its heart lies in grassroots action. Since its national launch in 2014, JCI chapters across the Philippines including Alabang have led BTS efforts.

• In 2016 alone, 82 chapters delivered over 10,000 backpacks through 131 local projects.
• Projects are flexible chapters that adapt to local needs, from urban centers to Mangyan and Ata-Manobo communities.

This bottom up model allows BTS to reach rural, remote, and high-need areas.

Impact in Action: Success Stories

Visayas Launch: Mandaue City, 2019

• In Mandaue City, BTS distributed schoolbags and supplies to 500 children across 13 daycare centers. The event included games, snacks, and active involvement by local government and JCI chapters.

Eagle’s Flight: Cebu, 2024

JCI Cebu held “Eagle’s Flight: Backpacks of Hope” in Sitio Burlas, Talisay City, giving backpacks and supplies to over 100 children. The initiative sparked plans for “Leg 2,” extending to storybooks and adult literacy partnerships.

Durian City Outreach: Talaingod, 2023

In Sitio Dulyan (Ata-Manobo community), BTS reached 162 students with bags and supplies, plus vitamins, nutrition seminars, and healthy snacks for 500 residents. The effort combined educational aid with health outreach, fostering long-term impact.

How Bags to School Project Works

Local chapters mobilize: Each JCI chapter identifies schools or communities most in need.

• Resource gathering: Funding through donations, sponsorships, and community fundraising drives.
• Distribution events: Hands-on sessions where children receive backpacks, supplies, and educational interaction.
• Community engagement: Local stakeholders, barangays, parents, and teachers participate actively.
• Follow-up support: Chapters may add reading programs, meals, or health talks post-distribution.

Why JCI Alabang Is Proud To Join Bags to School

By joining BTS, JCI Alabang affirms its commitment to transformational leadership:

• Fulfilling a national mandate: We operationalize JCI’s vision for inclusive education.
• Driving local impact: We support Manila area learners who need extra help to stay in school.
• Inspiring young leaders: Our volunteers gain experience in organizing, partnership-building, and service leadership.

Get Involved with JCI Alabang: Be a Force for Change

How you can help:

• Donate in kind: New backpacks, notebooks, pens, crayons, rulers, storybooks
• Donate cash: Contributions are used for supplies and logistics
• Volunteer: Assist in planning, packing, and distributing events
• Partner with us: Schools, barangays, and local businesses can contribute or co-host

Every contribution, small or large, creates a ripple toward brighter futures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bags to School (BTS)

• Who benefits from BTS?

• Children in public schools, day-care centers, and underprivileged communities who lack basic school supplies 

• What’s included in the BTS packages?

• Typically, a backpack, notebooks, pens/pencils, crayons, rulers, erasers but packages may vary by chapter.

• Are these programs free for recipients?

• Yes. BTS is fully free for students, supported entirely by donations and chapter fundraising efforts .

• How do chapters fund BTS events?

• Through sponsorships, individual donations, and internal fundraising, JCI chapters take charge of their budgets. 

• Can I volunteer if I’m not a JCI member?

• Absolutely! We welcome non-members to participate in events as volunteers or partners.

Join Our Bags to School Journey: From Bags to Brighter Futures

Bags to School is more than a program, it’s a pathway to dignity, confidence, and opportunity. With every bag, a child gains not just tools but hope and a reminder that others believe in their potential.

Get in Touch with JCI Alabang

Interested in partnering, joining a project, or learning more about our programs? We’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re a potential volunteer, donor, or community partner, our team is ready to connect. Contact us and We’re here to support change makers like you.