Preserving RCM’s Centennial Legacy

How many institutions or organizations in the country are actually more than 100 years old? Clearly, not too many. San Miguel Corporation, Manila Times, Ayala Corporation, Bank of the Philippine Islands, and Manila Electric Company, to name a few.

Notably, belonging to this group, specifically in the category of civic and service-oriented organizations, is the Rotary Club of Manila.

What is fascinating about the Rotary Club of Manila is that it is not a duly organized and formally registered corporate entity, but is simply an aggrupation of men who all believe in service above self. Since it is not a corporate person, RCM does not have the right of succession which is an attribute or characteristic which is statutorily granted to corporations. But this did not affect RCM’s ability to flourish throughout its centennial and continuing existence. In other words, the Rotary Club of Manila has established both its legacy and longevity not by a formal bequeathal or assignment of shares or interest, but solely due to the unceasing entry and flow of new members, new blood, new like-minded individuals who continue to promote, practice and propagate the values and principles of Rotary.

The tradition of service, adherence to the Four-Way Test, and faithfulness to Rotary values being handed from one generation to the next has kept the Club alive to this day.

It was in June 1919 when the first Rotary Club in Asia was established in our shores. It is thus the pioneering club in this part of the world, which paved the way for the birth and multiplication of clubs in the country. It was the inspired work of the founding members, who constituted the cream of the business community, which propelled Philippine Rotary movement to where it is now.

All the men who laid down the RCM foundation are long gone. Many of the great and illustrious men who graced the roster of members of this service organization are no longer around. But the historic organization that is the Rotary Club of Manila must continue to shine brighter than ever. This is the real and continuing challenge for all Manila Rotarians – to unrelentingly carry with pride the baton that has been handed down to them, and to ensure the readiness of the next generation to take it when their time comes.

Surely, this is not an easy task, for truly, preserving and carrying on a splendid legacy such as RCM’s requires grit and determination. It thus behooves upon the current members to forge ahead, surmount all challenges, and soldier on with the same spirit and dynamism, the same verve and idealism, and the same resolve and single-minded determination exhibited by all the great RCMers of years gone by.