Expansion and Confidence
In the 1960s the Club's service grew broader and more sophisticated, from a pioneering child and adolescent psychiatric ward at UP–PGH to mass eye-care programs, a Filipino translation of the Four-Way Test and coordinated disaster relief. The decade closed with the 1969 Golden Jubilee, the Golden Book and the creation of Rotary Circle.
- 1959–1960
PresidentRamon C. Ordoveza
Ramon C. Ordoveza, a Filipino businessman and civic leader, served as Manila Rotary’s thirty-ninth president. He secured ₱20,000 for a two-story “Rotary Wing” at the Philippine Cancer Society’s national headquarters, supported ten charitable institutions, and provided medical assistance to four patients. His term also saw publication of an updated Rotary songbook and Balita earn its first recorded net profit.
- 1960–1961
PresidentJose M. Barredo
Jose “Joe” M. Barredo, Jr., a Filipino businessman and civic leader, led Manila Rotary during a year of extensive disaster relief. He organized “Operation Rotary Ark,” a joint effort benefiting 25,000 flood-affected families. His term also supported a working boys’ camp, a playground at Heart of Mary Villa, assistance for fire victims, and contributions to tuberculosis, mental health, and cerebral palsy programs.
- July 1961 – January 1962
PresidentEmilio M. Abello
Emilio M. Abello, a Filipino lawyer, diplomat, and former Executive Secretary, served as Manila Rotary’s forty-first president. He introduced a Filipino translation of the Four-Way Test, distributed bilingual cards and stickers, and added “Sidelights” to Balita. His term also welcomed Rotary International President Joseph Abey and ended early upon his appointment as Philippine Ambassador to the United States.
- January – June 1962
PresidentJose Y. Orosa
Jose Y. Orosa, the first Filipino president of H.E. Heacock and former NAMARCO general manager, succeeded Emilio Abello as Manila Rotary’s forty-second president. He hosted the nineteenth District Conference with 700 attendees, supported charitable institutions and Mindanao flood victims, and advanced free eye care. His term also facilitated acceptance of the Manila Rotary Welcome Arch at Manila International Airport.
- 1962–1963
PresidentTeodoro T. Evangelista
Teodoro “Teddy” Evangelista, an educator, lawyer, and president of Far Eastern University, served as Manila Rotary’s forty-third president. His term emphasized children’s welfare, sponsoring medical treatment for two children in need and providing playground equipment to six charitable institutions. The club also distributed Christmas gifts to twelve institutions and funded a Working Boys Camp in Baguio City with ₱4,500.
- 1963–1964
PresidentHerbert C. Hendry
Herbert “Herb” C. Hendry, an American telecommunications executive who led Globe Mackay Cable and Radio Corporation, served as Manila Rotary’s forty-fourth president. His term produced Luneta’s “Fountain of Fellowship,” promoted road safety through stickers and school posters, and supported health charities. He also introduced a pictorial Four-Way Test in newspapers and inducted 43 new members, bringing membership to 301.
- 1964–1965
PresidentDavid C. SyCip
David “Dave” C. SyCip, a Filipino industrialist, banker, and advocate of regional economic cooperation, served as Manila Rotary’s forty-fifth president. He organized Operations Palusong to clear typhoon debris, equipped Philippine Science High School, and raised ₱59,403 for the Roxas Promenade. His term also supported hospitals and orphanages and earned recognition for outstanding vocational service through an employer-employee relations program.
- 1965–1966
PresidentFrancisco V. Del Rosario
Francisco “Toting” V. del Rosario, a Filipino corporate executive and diplomat, served as Manila Rotary’s forty-sixth president. He sponsored 50 houses for Taal eruption victims through Operation Damayan, launched the club’s baccalaureate scholarship program, and established its Speakers’ Bureau. His term also supported eye operations for disadvantaged students, orphanages, pedestrian safety, and the 1965 District Interact Club Convention.
- 1966–1967
PresidentJose M. Olbes
Jose “Joe” M. Olbes, a Filipino insurance executive who headed Insular Life and the FGU Insurance Group, served as Manila Rotary’s forty-seventh president. His Christmas Drive provided food, medicines, clothing materials, and ₱350 each to seven charitable institutions. The club also contributed to District 380’s “Milk for the Children of India” project and secured donated supplies for the district conference in Baguio.
- 1967–1968
PresidentGil R. Carlos
Gil R. Carlos, a Filipino lawyer and corporate law author, served as Manila Rotary’s forty-eighth president. He inducted 26 members, improved club facilities, and recorded perfect attendance among 68 members. His term provided 567 eyeglasses to schoolchildren, raised ₱4,000 for the Christmas Drive, and supported the Mount Samat memorial shrine and Filipino civic assistance personnel in South Vietnam.
- 1968–1969
PresidentLuciano E. Salazar
Luciano “Sally” E. Salazar, a corporate lawyer who later became SyCipLaw’s managing partner, served as Manila Rotary’s forty-ninth president. He led its Golden Jubilee, published the Golden Book chronicling fifty years of service, and oversaw the ₱90,000 transformation of Remedios Circle into Rotary Circle. His term also aided Ruby Tower earthquake victims, distributed Christmas gifts, and hosted a district assembly and leadership forum.
Presidents and term notes from the Past presidents roll, drawn from “The Work That Endures” (2026) and the Balita archive.