JA Philippines
Junior Achievement (JA) was introduced in the Philippines in 1967, bringing to the country a globally recognized educational movement focused on preparing young people for success in work and life. In 1969, the Junior Achievement of the Philippines, Inc. (JAPI) was formally organized as a non-stock, non-profit organization to administer and implement JA programs nationwide. Over the decades, JA Philippines has built strong partnerships with leading multinational corporations, local businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies to deliver programs in entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial literacy.
Today, the organization operates as Junior Achievement of the Philippines – JA Learning Institute, Inc. (JALI), strengthening its commitment to equipping Filipino youth with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to thrive in a rapidly changing economy. Through innovative learning experiences, volunteer engagement, digital platforms, and strategic collaborations, JALI continues to expand the reach and impact of JA programs across the country. To date, JA has empowered more than 500,000 students nationwide through direct program implementation and reaches approximately 2 million individuals annually across its various learning, communication, and digital platforms. Through these efforts, JALI continues to develop future entrepreneurs, financially capable individuals, and work-ready young Filipinos.
Awards and Recognition
Corporate Partners
Krishna C. Alejandrino
Krishna C. Alejandrino is the current Executive Director of Junior Achievement Philippines. He has held this position for the past 10 years and continues to serve as the overall head of the operations, including training and development, business planning, financial management, and marketing of the organization to the top corporations and industry organizations in the Philippines and abroad, inspiring young people to value entrepreneurship. JA Philippines is part of JA Worldwide which ranks as one of the top 7 non-government organizations around the world.
He holds a Master’s Degree in Marketing with an emphasis on Market Research from the University of Santo Tomas and graduated Cum Laude back in 2003.
Aside from his extensive experience in leadership, marketing, and business management, he has been awarded by various institutions such as the Philippine Marketing Association (PMA), Financial Executives of the Philippines (FINEX), and Philippine Constructors Association (PCA) as “Marketing Adviser of the Year” from 2006 until 2008. In 2009, he was recognized as the “Most Outstanding Faculty Member (Coaching Award) by Southville International School and Colleges. He was also awarded as an Associate Fellow Business Educator (AFBE) by the Philippine Council of Deans and Educators in Business (PCDEB) and the Philippine Academy of Professionals in Business Education. In 2013, the Chartered Association of Business Administrators gave him the “Youth Development Award” for his notable achievements in establishing programs for young students. 2018 Service Excellence Award given by International Christian Academy (Association of Christian International Schools), 2018 Excellence Award given by Saint Joseph College, the 2018 Presidential Recognition award given by Philippine Council of Deans and Educators in Business and recognition and appreciation of US embassy Manila from the office of Ambassador Harry Thomas for his contribution on CSR projects in partnership with the US government
Krishna collaborated with various projects on CSR, particularly on the areas of entrepreneurship, work-readiness, and financial literacy in a multicultural and multinational corporate organization including Prulife UK, Prudence Foundation, Pilipinas Shell, HSBC, HP, AXA, Accenture, Pearl S. Buck Foundation, FedEx, DDB Advertising, Dell/EMC, Bloomberg, Microsoft, AIG, ADP global, Synchrony Financial, GE, CitiBank N.A. Bechtel, International University Alliance in the US and prominent local companies like PLDT Enterprise, PLDT SME, Col Financial, Mercedes Benz, MRTD, Go Negosyo/RFM, MRTD, and PTT oil.
Professionally, Mr. Alejandrino is a Chartered Business Administrator (ChBA), a certification given by the Chartered Association of Business Administrators – Canada; and he is also the Director for International Institute of Marketing Standards for the International Institute of Marketing Professionals (IIMP).
As the spearhead of this NGO, he is with JA on youth development and empowerment, and continues to be part of the advocacy to reach and help all the youth across the country.
Paula Patrice M. Dela Cruz
Passionate. Dedicated. Charismatic.
Paula is a proud JA alumna as she participated in JA Company of the Year Competition in 2016. Through her hard work and effort, she completed her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration Major in Marketing Management at the University of Santo Tomas. An exemplary student who was recognized with Benavides Outstanding Achievement Award (University level) and Outstanding Achievement Award (College Level). At present, she is taking her Master’s Degree in Business Administration at San Beda University. With a passion for education and a life-purpose of community development, she dedicates herself towards a life-long journey for learning. Reaching greater heights is not an easy undertaking; she started her journey by creating comprehensive business plans that focus on agriculture, food industry, and garment industry. Her unparalleled dedication led her to win six various competitions in formulating strategic business plans and brand development, representing the university and the country. Back then, she was also a youth advocate for social entrepreneurship and the empowerment of the country’s agricultural department. Step by step, she built her reputation around the concept of service to other people.
With a goal in mind and a reputation to live by, she exudes a powerful charisma by continuously delivering quality work and notable awards. Her achievements include Youth Ambassador and Representative of the Philippines for Young Enterprise held in Amsterdam last 2015. In the same year, she was also the country’s delegate for Harvard Undergraduate Women in Business held in Boston and was also recognized by the University of the Philippines as the Venture Grand Champion in Social Entrepreneurship. Moreover in 2017; she was the Philippine representative for Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations.
As the current National Project Manager at JA Philippines, she proficiently partnered and worked with numerous organizations and their projects on youth empowerment. One of which is the Cha-Ching Financial Literacy Program which has reached more than 500,000 students and teachers for the past five years. Moreover, she handles other programs including the JA Company of the Year Competition, JA Careers with a Purpose, JA It’s My Business Program, Cha-Ching Financial literacy Program, and FedEx International Trade Challenge. Aligned with the three pillars of Junior Achievement, she committed her career in service of the youth to help them in work-readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy.
As a leader, she believes that people rise by lifting others. With her passion, dedication, and charisma, JA Philippines continues to be one of the best-performing member nations in the world.
Michelle A. Monteroso
Michelle is a proud alumna of AMA Computer Learning Center (ACLC) in Naga City, Camarines Sur, where she graduated with a degree in Business and Office Administration last 2016.
In October of the same year, she joined the team of JA Philippines as the Accounting/Administrative Officer. She has been a hands-on member of the organization, dealing with all accounting and administrative matters concerning the employees and the organization as a whole, including budget monitoring, processing of cash requests, checking liquidations, updating accounts receivable and payable, issuing invoices, and assisting on the review of expenses and payroll. At the present, she is the Accounting Department Head of the organization which enables her to have a wider grasp on all the operations and deploy necessary administrative and accounting processes needed. As a passionate team member who does her work with quality and efficiency, she sees to it that every opportunity is a way to improve herself, not only for the sake of the organization, but also for the organization’s advocacy of youth development, to help the students succeed in the global economy with the help of JA Philippines.
Department Heads
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Andrea Robles
Elementary Programs Lead
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Jilliane Chan
High School Programs Lead
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Dr. Leslie Anne L. Yasis
JA Advisory Board for STEM Lead
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Nikolai Quetua
Brand and Business Development Manager