2019–2027

Resilience in a Fragmented World

The pandemic moved meetings online and tested the Club's membership. Even so, service continued through PPE and medicine drives, Pasig River rehabilitation, and virtual TOWER and Journalism Awards. By 2023 the Club was rebuilding its in-person life, and it earned a Rotary International Citation.

1919s 1929s 1939s 1949s 1959s 1969s 1979s 1989s 1999s 2009s 2019s

2019–2020
PresidentJoaquin C. Rodriguez
Joaquin “Jackie” C. Rodriguez, a businessman and philanthropist, served as Manila Rotary’s hundredth president. His presidential agenda emphasized environmental protection through the Rotary Environmental and Ecological Strategem (TREES), linking conservation with livelihoods and public education. He also proposed an Ambassador of Goodwill program to strengthen international club partnerships and a voluntary bequest program to sustain the club’s community service.

The Club issued limited edition centennial stamps with the Philippine Postal Corporation The Rotary Club of Manila issued limited edition centennial stamps in collaboration with the Philippine Postal Corporation to mark its 100th year. Read the story
The TOWER Awards held a Centennial Edition and the Club honored its 2019 awardees The 44th weekly meeting of the Centennial year was the TOWER Centennial Awards Presentation. The Balita printed profiles of the 2019 awardees of the TOWER Awards (Centennial Edition), which the Club founded in 1975 to search for outstanding workers. The Week That Was
The Club celebrated its Centennial with a three-day program ending in a gala Under Centennial President Jesus "Susing" M. Pineda Jr., the Club marked 100 years with a Salubong Fiesta on June 20, 2019 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City and a Centennial Gala on June 22 at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila. Manila Rotarians, sister club Rotarians and visiting Rotarians attended. Day One, Salubong Fiesta
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno took the honorary membership oath and signed the T.R.E.E.S. memorandum At a joint meeting with the Rotary Club of Pasay, Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko" M. Domagoso took the honorary membership oath and signed the T.R.E.E.S. memorandum. T.R.E.E.S. was the environmental agenda of President Joaquin "Jackie" Rodriguez. The Week That Was
The Club carried out a relief mission for the Taal Volcano eruption in Bauan, Batangas The Rotary Club of Manila conducted a Taal relief mission in Bauan, Batangas on January 18, 2020. Read the story
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles spoke at the Thursday luncheon at the Manila Polo Club Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei B. Nograles addressed the Rotary Club of Manila at its Thursday luncheon meeting at the Manila Polo Club on February 13, 2020. Read the speech
Save Manila Bay moved forward by Zoom and with a District MOU with the DENR On August 31, 2020 the Club met The Ocean Cleanup via Zoom about the Save Manila Bay project. On September 19, 2020 District 3810 signed a Memorandum of Understanding with DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu at the Manila Yacht Club. Meeting with The Ocean Cleanup
The Club set aside funds for Typhoon Ulysses victims in Bulacan and Cagayan The Club allocated Php 40,000 from its Community Fund for victims of Typhoon Ulysses in Bulacan and Cagayan and asked members for donations. Read the story

📰 OXYGEN AND FIRE | Joaquin Capen Rodriguez’s Life of Ambition, Integrity, and Stewardship 📷 Membership Meeting June 18,2020 Haneda Day | The Rotary Club of Manila 📷 Joint E-Meeting of Rotary Club of Manila and Rotary Club of Cebu via Zoom held Thursday May 21,2020 | The Rotary Club of Manila 📷 Zoom Membership Meeting held April 30,2020 | The Rotary Club of Manila 📷 RCM LUNCHEON MEETING MARCH 5, 2020 | The Rotary Club of Manila 📷 RCM LUNCHEON MEETING FEB. 13, 2020 | The Rotary Club of Manila 📷 February 6 2020 Luncheon Meeting 📷 RCM LUNCHEON MEETING JAN. 30, 2020 | The Rotary Club of Manila 📷 Jan 23 2020 Maria Leonor G Robredo 📷 JANUARY 16, 2020 LUNCHEON MEETING | The Rotary Club of Manila 📷 A Joint Meeting between the Rotary Club of Manila and the Rotary Club of Makati West | The Rotary Club of Manila 📷 1st Planning Meeting of the 2020-2021 Board | The Rotary Club of Manila 📷 RCM CHRISTMAS PARTY "PAPAS 2019" | The Rotary Club of Manila 📷 RCM 21st Luncheon Meeting | The Rotary Club of Manila 📷 RCM Luncheon Meeting Nov. 21, 2019 | The Rotary Club of Manila 📷 2019 TRF Gala Dinner Souvenir Program | The Rotary Club of Manila 📷 RCM Luncheon Meeting Nov. 14, 2019 | The Rotary Club of Manila 📷 Nov 7 2019 📷 RCM Luncheon Meeting | The Rotary Club of Manila 📷 Ambassador of Lao PDR/ Honorary Member Songkane Luangmuninthone | The Rotary Club of Manila 📷 RCM Luncheon Meeting | The Rotary Club of Manila 📷 RCM Joint Meeting September 5, 2019 | The Rotary Club of Manila 📷 FIRESIDE CHAT FELLOWSHIP AND BATTLE OF THE LEGENDS AT ELKS | The Rotary Club of Manila 📷 FELLOWSHIP AND GENERAL ASSEMBLE AT THE ELKS CLUB | The Rotary Club of Manila 📷 RCM Luncheon Meeting Aug 15 2019 📷 RCM Joint Meeting August 8, 2019 | The Rotary Club of Manila 📷 RCM LUNCHEON MEETING AUGUST 1, 2019 | The Rotary Club of Manila 📷 The Membership Meeting July 25,2019 | The Rotary Club of Manila 📷 RCM Luncheon Meeting July 18 2019 📷 AN INTERCITY MEETING JULY 11, 2019 | The Rotary Club of Manila 📷 RCMers at District 3810 Handover Ceremony | The Rotary Club of Manila 🏆 39 plaques and trophies 📚 Discon 2019 📚 Rorary Year 2019-2020 📚 Rorary Year 2019-2020
2020–2021
PresidentRobert L. Joseph Jr.
Robert “Bobby” Lim Joseph Jr., a tourism industry leader, businessman, and Latvia’s honorary consul general, served as Manila Rotary’s 101st president. Leading during the COVID-19 pandemic, he championed environmental rehabilitation through the “Save Manila Bay” initiative and strengthened cooperation with government partners. His leadership and the club’s service projects earned him the district’s Most Outstanding Club President recognition.

The Club carried out a relief mission for the Taal Volcano eruption in Bauan, Batangas The Rotary Club of Manila conducted a Taal relief mission in Bauan, Batangas on January 18, 2020. Read the story
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles spoke at the Thursday luncheon at the Manila Polo Club Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei B. Nograles addressed the Rotary Club of Manila at its Thursday luncheon meeting at the Manila Polo Club on February 13, 2020. Read the speech
Save Manila Bay moved forward by Zoom and with a District MOU with the DENR On August 31, 2020 the Club met The Ocean Cleanup via Zoom about the Save Manila Bay project. On September 19, 2020 District 3810 signed a Memorandum of Understanding with DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu at the Manila Yacht Club. Meeting with The Ocean Cleanup
The Club set aside funds for Typhoon Ulysses victims in Bulacan and Cagayan The Club allocated Php 40,000 from its Community Fund for victims of Typhoon Ulysses in Bulacan and Cagayan and asked members for donations. Read the story
The Club and the Carlos P. Romulo Foundation honored Swedish Ambassador Harald Fries The Rotary Club of Manila and the Carlos P. Romulo Foundation for Peace and Development gave the Ambassador Carlos P. Romulo Award for Excellence in Diplomatic Relations to Swedish Ambassador Harald Fries. Read the story
The Club donated COVID-19 test kits to Parañaque, Pasay and Taytay Medicare Plus, the Rotary Club of Manila and Technecology donated COVID-19 test kits to Pasay, Parañaque and Taytay on February 9 and 10, 2021. Read the story
The TOWER Awards search went on during the pandemic, with committees meeting by Zoom The Rotary Club of Manila, the RCManila Foundation, PMAP and DOLE sought nominations for the 2021 TOWER Awards, with a March 26, 2021 deadline. The TOWER Awards Committee met with PMAP officers by Zoom through the early months of 2021. Call for nominations
The Club signed an agreement with Dualtech and awarded ten scholarships On December 12, 2021 ten scholars were awarded and a memorandum of agreement was signed among Dualtech, the Rotary Club of Manila and the RCManila Foundation, Inc. The presidents file notes the scholarship initiatives with the Dualtech Training Center Foundation. Read the story

📰 The Leon Lambert Legacy: Herminio Santos Esguerra's Quiet Power and Enduring Grace 📷 Rotary Awards Luncheon June 24,2021 | The Rotary Club of Manila 🏆 16 plaques and trophies
2021–2022
PresidentFelix Francisco S. Zaldarriaga
Felix Francisco “Chito” S. Zaldarriaga, a businessman and Philippine Ecozones Association leader, served as Manila Rotary’s 102nd president. His term emphasized education and service partnerships, including scholarship initiatives with the Dualtech Training Center Foundation. By supporting technical training and expanding access to vocational education, he helped connect disadvantaged young people with opportunities for employment and productive careers.

The Club and the Carlos P. Romulo Foundation honored Swedish Ambassador Harald Fries The Rotary Club of Manila and the Carlos P. Romulo Foundation for Peace and Development gave the Ambassador Carlos P. Romulo Award for Excellence in Diplomatic Relations to Swedish Ambassador Harald Fries. Read the story
The Club donated COVID-19 test kits to Parañaque, Pasay and Taytay Medicare Plus, the Rotary Club of Manila and Technecology donated COVID-19 test kits to Pasay, Parañaque and Taytay on February 9 and 10, 2021. Read the story
The TOWER Awards search went on during the pandemic, with committees meeting by Zoom The Rotary Club of Manila, the RCManila Foundation, PMAP and DOLE sought nominations for the 2021 TOWER Awards, with a March 26, 2021 deadline. The TOWER Awards Committee met with PMAP officers by Zoom through the early months of 2021. Call for nominations
The Club signed an agreement with Dualtech and awarded ten scholarships On December 12, 2021 ten scholars were awarded and a memorandum of agreement was signed among Dualtech, the Rotary Club of Manila and the RCManila Foundation, Inc. The presidents file notes the scholarship initiatives with the Dualtech Training Center Foundation. Read the story
The Club gave shelter kits to 113 families hit by Typhoon Paeng The Rotary Club of Manila's Disaster Relief Committee provided shelter kits to 113 families affected by Typhoon Paeng in Noveleta, Sipalay and Cotabato City. Read the story
The Club honored eight journalists at the 2022 Pro Patria Journalism Awards The 2022 Pro Patria Journalism awardees were Alex Magno, Iris Gonzales, Quinito Henson, Sandra Aguinaldo, Deo Macalma, Roby Alampay, Clarissa Ward and Emil Jurado. The Balita also printed a history of the awards, which began in Rotary Year 1966-1967. Profiles of the awardees
The Dualtech scholarship program reached forty-five scholars New scholars were presented at the Dualtech Training Center on March 27, 2022, bringing the Rotary Club of Manila-Dualtech program to forty-five scholars against a 2022 target of one hundred. Read the story
Members toured the Pasig River, planted trees and turned over cleaning equipment Manila Rotarians joined DENR/PRCMO and District 3810 on July 18, 2022 for a Pasig River cruise, a tree planting at Pasong Tamo Creek and a turnover of cleaning equipment. Read the story

📷 RCM The Outstanding Workers Of The Republic Awards | The Rotary Club of Manila 🏆 5 plaques and trophies
2022–2023
PresidentHerminio S. Esguerra
Herminio “Hermie” S. Esguerra, a businessman and founder of the Herma Group, served as Manila Rotary’s 103rd president. His term completed over 170 projects, including 395 floating trash barriers for the Pasig River and over sixty cleft surgeries with Operation Smile. He revived the club’s Rotary Youth Leadership Awards after 31 years, while the club earned 43 district awards and a Rotary International Platinum Citation.

The Club gave shelter kits to 113 families hit by Typhoon Paeng The Rotary Club of Manila's Disaster Relief Committee provided shelter kits to 113 families affected by Typhoon Paeng in Noveleta, Sipalay and Cotabato City. Read the story
The Club honored eight journalists at the 2022 Pro Patria Journalism Awards The 2022 Pro Patria Journalism awardees were Alex Magno, Iris Gonzales, Quinito Henson, Sandra Aguinaldo, Deo Macalma, Roby Alampay, Clarissa Ward and Emil Jurado. The Balita also printed a history of the awards, which began in Rotary Year 1966-1967. Profiles of the awardees
The Dualtech scholarship program reached forty-five scholars New scholars were presented at the Dualtech Training Center on March 27, 2022, bringing the Rotary Club of Manila-Dualtech program to forty-five scholars against a 2022 target of one hundred. Read the story
Members toured the Pasig River, planted trees and turned over cleaning equipment Manila Rotarians joined DENR/PRCMO and District 3810 on July 18, 2022 for a Pasig River cruise, a tree planting at Pasong Tamo Creek and a turnover of cleaning equipment. Read the story
DENR-NCR recognized the Club for its work on rehabilitating the Pasig River The DENR-NCR awarded the Rotary Club of Manila for its contributions to the rehabilitation of the Pasig River. The presidents file records that the Club's 2022-2023 year delivered 395 floating trash barriers for the river. Read the story
Four-Way Test markers went up in fifteen Manila schools Four-Way Test markers and Rotary Vision Care markers were installed in 15 schools in the City of Manila. Read the story
The Club and the Romulo Foundation honored Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo The Rotary Club of Manila and the Carlos P. Romulo Foundation for Peace and Development bestowed the Most Outstanding Ambassador Award on Secretary Enrique A. Manalo of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Read the story
The Club and RC Calumpit distributed relief packs after Typhoon Egay On September 23, 2023 the Rotary Club of Manila and the Rotary Club of Calumpit distributed approximately 400 packs of relief goods across five barangays in Calumpit, Bulacan. Read the story

📰 The Leon Lambert Legacy: Herminio Santos Esguerra's Quiet Power and Enduring Grace 📷 Special Clean-Up & Tree Planting Activity | The Rotary Club of Manila 📷 RCM Induction And Handover - July 7, 2022 | The Rotary Club of Manila 🏆 4 plaques and trophies
2023–2024
PresidentRafael M. Alunan III
Rafael “Raffy” M. Alunan III, a businessman and former Tourism and Interior secretary, served as Manila Rotary’s 104th president. He led its 105th-anniversary celebrations and community support initiatives while advocating action against childhood malnutrition and stunting. His term also promoted environmental awareness through club assemblies and encouraged Rotary’s international leadership to advance peace and conflict resolution.

DENR-NCR recognized the Club for its work on rehabilitating the Pasig River The DENR-NCR awarded the Rotary Club of Manila for its contributions to the rehabilitation of the Pasig River. The presidents file records that the Club's 2022-2023 year delivered 395 floating trash barriers for the river. Read the story
Four-Way Test markers went up in fifteen Manila schools Four-Way Test markers and Rotary Vision Care markers were installed in 15 schools in the City of Manila. Read the story
The Club and the Romulo Foundation honored Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo The Rotary Club of Manila and the Carlos P. Romulo Foundation for Peace and Development bestowed the Most Outstanding Ambassador Award on Secretary Enrique A. Manalo of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Read the story
The Club and RC Calumpit distributed relief packs after Typhoon Egay On September 23, 2023 the Rotary Club of Manila and the Rotary Club of Calumpit distributed approximately 400 packs of relief goods across five barangays in Calumpit, Bulacan. Read the story
Members inspected the Club's floating trash barriers at 18 Pasig River estuaries On February 17, 2024 Club members inspected the floating trash barriers the Club had donated, installed at the portal of each of 18 estuaries along the Pasig River. Read the story
The 2024 TOWER Awards were conferred at Malacañan Palace The 2024 TOWER Awards were conferred at Malacañan Palace on May 1, 2024. Each individual and team awardee received a trophy and a cash award of Php 120,000. Read the story
The Club held its 105th anniversary dinner on June 1, 2024 The Rotary Club of Manila celebrated its 105th anniversary dinner, also its 40th Weekly Membership Meeting, with messages from past governors, guests and President Rafael "Raffy" Alunan III. Delegates from RC Kowloon East arrived in Manila for the occasion. Read the story
The Club and Abbott Laboratories signed the "Beat Malnutrition" MOU The Rotary Club of Manila and Abbott Laboratories signed the "Beat Malnutrition" memorandum of understanding in Taguig City on October 24, 2024. Read the story

📰 Country Above Self: The Officer and the Gentleman - The Life and Legacy of Rafael Moreno Alunan III 🏆 1 plaque and trophies
2024–2025
PresidentEduardo V. Enriquez III
Eduardo “Jujut” V. Enriquez III, a veteran banking executive and advocate for small-business financial inclusion, served as Manila Rotary’s 105th president. His term prioritized environmental protection, marginalized communities, and health partnerships. He supported childhood malnutrition screening through Abbott, Pasig River initiatives, and international fellowship, while presiding over the 2025 Pro Patria Journalism Awards and promoting an inclusive, adaptable club.

Members inspected the Club's floating trash barriers at 18 Pasig River estuaries On February 17, 2024 Club members inspected the floating trash barriers the Club had donated, installed at the portal of each of 18 estuaries along the Pasig River. Read the story
The 2024 TOWER Awards were conferred at Malacañan Palace The 2024 TOWER Awards were conferred at Malacañan Palace on May 1, 2024. Each individual and team awardee received a trophy and a cash award of Php 120,000. Read the story
The Club held its 105th anniversary dinner on June 1, 2024 The Rotary Club of Manila celebrated its 105th anniversary dinner, also its 40th Weekly Membership Meeting, with messages from past governors, guests and President Rafael "Raffy" Alunan III. Delegates from RC Kowloon East arrived in Manila for the occasion. Read the story
The Club and Abbott Laboratories signed the "Beat Malnutrition" MOU The Rotary Club of Manila and Abbott Laboratories signed the "Beat Malnutrition" memorandum of understanding in Taguig City on October 24, 2024. Read the story
The Rotary Foundation approved a global grant for cleft lip and palate surgeries The Rotary Foundation approved and paid Global Grant 2572214 for corrective cleft lip and palate surgeries for 96 to 100 children, the second year of the Rotary Club of Manila's Cleft Lip Project. Read the story
U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson spoke at a joint meeting of three Rotary clubs On May 13, 2025 the Rotary Club of Manila, the Rotary Club of Makati and the Rotary Club of Makati Premier District met jointly to hear U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson speak on the U.S.-Philippine partnership. Read the story
The Club held the 31st TOWER Awards on Labor Day The Rotary Club of Manila, with DOLE and PMAP, honored the 2025 Outstanding Workers of the Republic at the 31st TOWER Awards on Labor Day. Messages came from the President of the Philippines and the Labor Secretary. Read the story
The Club signed an MOU with RC Gangjintamjin for a Philippine General Hospital grant Club officers and the Rotary Club of Gangjintamjin (RI District 3610) signed a memorandum of understanding on July 12, 2025 for a Global Grant project with the Philippine General Hospital. Read the story

📰 A Gavel’s Last Echo 🏆 1 plaque and trophies
2025–2026
PresidentRaoul C. Creencia
Raoul C. Creencia, a lawyer, educator, and former Government Corporate Counsel, led Manila Rotary under “Our Destiny. Our Legacy. Rotary.” His term strengthened partnerships, including two sister-club agreements and collaboration with RC Kangjin-Tamjin on a global grant for neonatal care equipment at UP-PGH. Club initiatives also included a medical mission, gift-giving in Calumpit, and a Four-Way Test Marker at Hospicio de San Jose.

The Rotary Foundation approved a global grant for cleft lip and palate surgeries The Rotary Foundation approved and paid Global Grant 2572214 for corrective cleft lip and palate surgeries for 96 to 100 children, the second year of the Rotary Club of Manila's Cleft Lip Project. Read the story
U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson spoke at a joint meeting of three Rotary clubs On May 13, 2025 the Rotary Club of Manila, the Rotary Club of Makati and the Rotary Club of Makati Premier District met jointly to hear U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson speak on the U.S.-Philippine partnership. Read the story
The Club held the 31st TOWER Awards on Labor Day The Rotary Club of Manila, with DOLE and PMAP, honored the 2025 Outstanding Workers of the Republic at the 31st TOWER Awards on Labor Day. Messages came from the President of the Philippines and the Labor Secretary. Read the story
The Club signed an MOU with RC Gangjintamjin for a Philippine General Hospital grant Club officers and the Rotary Club of Gangjintamjin (RI District 3610) signed a memorandum of understanding on July 12, 2025 for a Global Grant project with the Philippine General Hospital. Read the story
The Club sponsored its 26th daughter club, the Rotary Club of Sparkling Manila Harbor The Rotary Club of Manila became the first club in District 3810 to charter a new Rotary club in Rotary Year 2026-2027, sponsoring the Rotary Club of Sparkling Manila Harbor. Read the story
The Club paid tribute to eight 2026 Pro Patria Journalism honorees The Rotary Club of Manila honored eight 2026 Journalism Pro Patria honorees, from Vlogger of the Year to Online Individual Journalist of the Year. Read the story
The Club honored the 2026 TOWER Awards honorees The 2026 honorees came from manufacturing and engineering and were recognized for innovations in productivity, sustainability, ergonomics and efficiency. The Balita also traced the awards back to 1976, when ten outstanding Filipino workers were recognized. Meet the honorees
Neonatal care equipment was formally turned over to the Philippine General Hospital The equipment came through the partnership of the Rotary Club of Manila and the Rotary Club of Kangjin-Tamjin, South Korea, funded by a Rotary Foundation Global Grant. Read the story

📰 36th Weekly Membership Meeting Editorial 📰 Inaugural Address
2026–2027
PresidentReginald T. Yu
Reginald “Reggie” T. Yu, a business executive and industry association leader, serves as Manila Rotary’s 107th president under “T.U.R.N.: Toward a Unified Rotary Nation.” His term began with the club’s historic board oath-taking at the Rizal Monument. Initiatives include chartering its 26th daughter club, delivering Calumpit flood relief, convening a police performance symposium, assessing community needs in Mindoro and Lanao, planting trees with MWSS, and revitalizing participation in meetings and fellowships.

The Club sponsored its 26th daughter club, the Rotary Club of Sparkling Manila Harbor The Rotary Club of Manila became the first club in District 3810 to charter a new Rotary club in Rotary Year 2026-2027, sponsoring the Rotary Club of Sparkling Manila Harbor. Read the story
The Club paid tribute to eight 2026 Pro Patria Journalism honorees The Rotary Club of Manila honored eight 2026 Journalism Pro Patria honorees, from Vlogger of the Year to Online Individual Journalist of the Year. Read the story
The Club honored the 2026 TOWER Awards honorees The 2026 honorees came from manufacturing and engineering and were recognized for innovations in productivity, sustainability, ergonomics and efficiency. The Balita also traced the awards back to 1976, when ten outstanding Filipino workers were recognized. Meet the honorees
Neonatal care equipment was formally turned over to the Philippine General Hospital The equipment came through the partnership of the Rotary Club of Manila and the Rotary Club of Kangjin-Tamjin, South Korea, funded by a Rotary Foundation Global Grant. Read the story

📰 When History Calls: How the Rotary Club of Manila Reimagined a 107-Year Legacy 📰 RCM Sponsors Its 26th Daughter Club

Presidents and term notes from the Past presidents roll, drawn from “The Work That Endures” (2026) and the Balita archive.