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.
The Club raised P20,000 for a Rotary Wing at the Philippine Cancer Society President Ramon C. Ordoveza secured P20,000 for a two-story Rotary Wing at the Philippine Cancer Society's national headquarters. In the same year the Balita earned its first recorded net profit. Past presidentsPresident Carlos P. Garcia opened the District Conference in Baguio The Rotary District Conference opened in Baguio City with 37 clubs of the district taking part. President Carlos P. Garcia was guest of honor at the opening, and Vice-President Diosdado Macapagal spoke at the next day's luncheon. Balita No. 900, page 48President Garcia was scheduled to speak at the opening of the 1959-60 Rotary year The Balita previewed the inaugural meeting of the Rotary year 1959-60, on July 2, 1959 at the Manila Hotel, with President Carlos P. Garcia as guest of honor and speaker. Balita No. 917, page 37Operation Rotary Ark helped 25,000 flood-affected families In Jose M. Barredo Jr.'s year the Club organized Operation Rotary Ark, a joint effort that benefited 25,000 flood-affected families. It also helped fire victims and supported a working boys' camp. Past presidents - 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.
Operation Rotary Ark helped 25,000 flood-affected families In Jose M. Barredo Jr.'s year the Club organized Operation Rotary Ark, a joint effort that benefited 25,000 flood-affected families. It also helped fire victims and supported a working boys' camp. Past presidentsThe Club hosted a luncheon for delegates to the Asian Peoples' Anti-Communist League conference On May 4, 1961 the Club offered a luncheon in honor of delegates to the VII Conference of the Asian Peoples' Anti-Communist League. The Philippine Anti-Communist Movement, Inc. later gave the Club a testimonial award. Past presidents - 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.
The Club hosted a luncheon for delegates to the Asian Peoples' Anti-Communist League conference On May 4, 1961 the Club offered a luncheon in honor of delegates to the VII Conference of the Asian Peoples' Anti-Communist League. The Philippine Anti-Communist Movement, Inc. later gave the Club a testimonial award. Past presidentsThe Club funded a Working Boys Camp in Baguio and gave playground equipment Under President Teodoro T. Evangelista the Club gave P4,500 for a Working Boys Camp in Baguio City, provided playground equipment to six institutions and distributed Christmas gifts to twelve. Past presidents - 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.
The Club funded a Working Boys Camp in Baguio and gave playground equipment Under President Teodoro T. Evangelista the Club gave P4,500 for a Working Boys Camp in Baguio City, provided playground equipment to six institutions and distributed Christmas gifts to twelve. Past presidentsThe Fountain of Fellowship was built at Luneta In Herbert C. Hendry's year the Club produced Luneta's Fountain of Fellowship, ran a road-safety campaign and inducted 43 new members, bringing membership to 301. Past presidents - 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.
The Club funded a Working Boys Camp in Baguio and gave playground equipment Under President Teodoro T. Evangelista the Club gave P4,500 for a Working Boys Camp in Baguio City, provided playground equipment to six institutions and distributed Christmas gifts to twelve. Past presidentsThe Fountain of Fellowship was built at Luneta In Herbert C. Hendry's year the Club produced Luneta's Fountain of Fellowship, ran a road-safety campaign and inducted 43 new members, bringing membership to 301. Past presidents - 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.
The Fountain of Fellowship was built at Luneta In Herbert C. Hendry's year the Club produced Luneta's Fountain of Fellowship, ran a road-safety campaign and inducted 43 new members, bringing membership to 301. Past presidentsOperations Palusong cleared typhoon debris and the Club raised P59,403 for the Roxas Promenade Under President David C. SyCip the Club organized Operations Palusong to clear typhoon debris, equipped the Philippine Science High School and raised P59,403 for the Roxas Promenade. Past presidents - 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.
Operations Palusong cleared typhoon debris and the Club raised P59,403 for the Roxas Promenade Under President David C. SyCip the Club organized Operations Palusong to clear typhoon debris, equipped the Philippine Science High School and raised P59,403 for the Roxas Promenade. Past presidentsOperation Damayan sponsored 50 houses for Taal eruption victims President Francisco V. del Rosario led the Club's sponsorship of 50 houses for victims of the Taal eruption through Operation Damayan. He also launched the baccalaureate scholarship program and the Speakers' Bureau. Past presidents - 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.
Operation Damayan sponsored 50 houses for Taal eruption victims President Francisco V. del Rosario led the Club's sponsorship of 50 houses for victims of the Taal eruption through Operation Damayan. He also launched the baccalaureate scholarship program and the Speakers' Bureau. Past presidentsThe Christmas Drive gave food, medicines and ₱350 each to seven charities During the 1966–67 Rotary year, under President Jose M. Olbes, the Club's Christmas Drive provided food, medicines, clothing materials and ₱350 each to seven charitable institutions. Past Presidents: Jose M. OlbesThe Club supported "Milk for the Children of India" and the Baguio district conference Under President Jose M. Olbes, the Club contributed to District 380's "Milk for the Children of India" project. It also secured donated supplies for the district conference held in Baguio. Past Presidents: Jose M. Olbes - 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.
The Christmas Drive gave food, medicines and ₱350 each to seven charities During the 1966–67 Rotary year, under President Jose M. Olbes, the Club's Christmas Drive provided food, medicines, clothing materials and ₱350 each to seven charitable institutions. Past Presidents: Jose M. OlbesThe Club supported "Milk for the Children of India" and the Baguio district conference Under President Jose M. Olbes, the Club contributed to District 380's "Milk for the Children of India" project. It also secured donated supplies for the district conference held in Baguio. Past Presidents: Jose M. OlbesThe Club gave 567 eyeglasses to schoolchildren and raised ₱4,000 for the Christmas Drive During the 1967–68 Rotary year, under President Gil R. Carlos, the Club provided 567 eyeglasses to schoolchildren. It also raised ₱4,000 for the Christmas Drive. Past Presidents: Gil R. CarlosThe Club supported the Mount Samat memorial shrine and Filipino aid workers in Vietnam Under President Gil R. Carlos, the Club gave support to the Mount Samat memorial shrine. It also supported Filipino civic assistance personnel serving in South Vietnam. Past Presidents: Gil R. Carlos - 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.
The Club gave 567 eyeglasses to schoolchildren and raised ₱4,000 for the Christmas Drive During the 1967–68 Rotary year, under President Gil R. Carlos, the Club provided 567 eyeglasses to schoolchildren. It also raised ₱4,000 for the Christmas Drive. Past Presidents: Gil R. CarlosThe Club supported the Mount Samat memorial shrine and Filipino aid workers in Vietnam Under President Gil R. Carlos, the Club gave support to the Mount Samat memorial shrine. It also supported Filipino civic assistance personnel serving in South Vietnam. Past Presidents: Gil R. CarlosThe Club aided victims of the Ruby Tower earthquake During the 1968–69 Rotary year, under President Luciano E. Salazar, the Club gave aid to victims of the Ruby Tower earthquake. Past Presidents: Luciano E. SalazarThe Club began its Golden Jubilee major project, the conversion of Remedios Circle At the start of President Luciano E. Salazar's term, the Club made its "Major Project of the Year" the conversion of Remedios Circle in Malate into a plaza, to be renamed Rotary Circle. It was designed as an elevated Rotary wheel with concrete walks, seats and a landscaped garden. Balita No. 1382, page 4 - 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.
The Club aided victims of the Ruby Tower earthquake During the 1968–69 Rotary year, under President Luciano E. Salazar, the Club gave aid to victims of the Ruby Tower earthquake. Past Presidents: Luciano E. SalazarThe Club began its Golden Jubilee major project, the conversion of Remedios Circle At the start of President Luciano E. Salazar's term, the Club made its "Major Project of the Year" the conversion of Remedios Circle in Malate into a plaza, to be renamed Rotary Circle. It was designed as an elevated Rotary wheel with concrete walks, seats and a landscaped garden. Balita No. 1382, page 4The Club published the Golden Book chronicling fifty years of service Rtn. Frankie Roman chaired the Special Committee on the Golden Book for the Golden Jubilee year. In June 1969 Club President Salazar presented copies to visiting Rotarians at a fellowship dinner. Balita No. 1395, page 6Rotary Circle in Malate was formally inaugurated The Rotary Circle, formerly Remedios Circle, was inaugurated on 28 January 1969 with Mayor Antonio J. Villegas and Club President Luciano Salazar present. Mrs. Mariquit J. Lopez, the Vice President's Lady, was guest of honor in place of the First Lady. Balita No. 1387, page 64President Marcos was guest of honor at the Club's 50th anniversary dinner The Golden Anniversary Dinner Meeting was held on 29 January 1969 at the Manila Hotel. President Ferdinand E. Marcos was guest of honor and speaker, and Club President Salazar presented him with a special award as Honorary Member. Balita No. 1387, page 19Juan L. Mercado and the Manila Chronicle received the Club's 1968 Journalism Awards At the "Press Week" meeting on 27 February 1969, Juan L. Mercado of the Philippine News Service was named Journalist of the Year 1968 and The Manila Chronicle Newspaper of the Year, in the second annual Journalism Awards. The panel of judges was chaired by Supreme Court Associate Justice Fred Ruiz Castro. Balita No. 1390, page 11
Presidents and term notes from the Past presidents roll, drawn from “The Work That Endures” (2026) and the Balita archive.