"Being a leader is not inborn, one is crafted and molded."

This proves to be true even to those who are educationally deprived. Learning is derived not only from the four corners of the classroom but also through tough and significant experiences.This is the core success to ASKI leader - Mr. Jerry Sumalbag of Nagcuralan, Cuyapo (Nueva Ecija).

This man of words holds a 2 - year vocational course in Automotive as an auto diesel mechanic.

Already 45 years of age with two siblings and a loving wife. Kuya Jerry, as many fondly call him, is naturally a timid person. He is known for being dependable in their place but exceptionally shy.

He became a barangay councilor for nine years and a PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) President for six years but his public relation skill still needs to be worked on.

Nobody can fault Kuya Jerry for being an introvert. But that was back in 2001. His membership with the Community Development program of ASKI in 2002 became his training graound to improve his personality. Before he used to be a witting spectator on the sidelines during ASKI orientation programs.

One of his friends asked him to listen to the orientation. As he understood the program, he immediately decided to join ASKI. And that was the beginning of a journey he will never forget in his entire life.

He started leading the organization named MASIPAG (Magkaisa sa Ikauunlad at Paglago ng Nagcuralan). Many rigid situations challenged his leadership skill. But equipt with the knowledge he gained from trainings he attended in ASKI, he was guided and supported on how to deal with different sitautions. Little by little, the timid Jerry became a confident individual advocating for the attainment of needs of the people in the barangay. He, together with the MASIPAG leaders, has set strict but reasonable policies that would instill discipline among the members. And it was effective. Being visionary - setting strategic plans before problems arise - has helped enough Kuya Jerry to become an effective leader of MASIPAG.

Total membership of the organization is now 96 with 26 male and 70 female. Through his leadership, the group was able to network with the municipal government of Cuyapo to solve the electricity problem in one of the districts in Nagcuralan. Through sheer patience and persistence, light finally glowed.

From this, he gained the confidence of the members as well as the people in barangay Nagcuralan. His leadership talent spread out to other neighboring barangays in Cuyapo such as Paitan Sur and Paitan Norte. The three barangays has launched several activities to help the residents of Cuyapo.

The people organized the Alalay sa Pag-Unlad ng Cuyapo (ALPABC) with the main purpose of assisting the poor by focusing on issuescentral to the people such as farm-to-market roads. And since Kuya Jerry earned the respect of many, he was elected as the Chairman and President of ALPABC.

At present, Kuya Jerry can stand in front of the crowd with confidence: committed, dedicated and tougher. In all of these, Kuya Jerry gives back the credit to God Almighty, noting that "it is through Him that I regained my strength in times I feel down."