Renewal and Relevance
After the restoration of democracy in 1986, the Club revived its Journalism Awards and made Sagip Kabataan for street children a flagship program. Eye care became permanent infrastructure through eye operating rooms, mass cataract surgeries and the RCM Eye Bank Foundation.
- 1979–1980
PresidentFrancisco M. Ortigas III
Francisco “Paqui” M. Ortigas III, a Filipino businessman who later served as ambassador to Mexico, led Manila Rotary as its sixtieth president. His term expanded membership beyond 400 and supported medical and surgical missions across Luzon and the Visayas, including Bohol. The club also partnered with the Bureau of Posts on stamps commemorating Rotary’s seventy-fifth anniversary and welcomed eight new Paul Harris Fellows.
Membership passed 400 under President Francisco M. Ortigas III During the 1979–80 Rotary year, the Club's membership expanded beyond 400. The Club also supported medical and surgical missions across Luzon and the Visayas, including Bohol. Past Presidents: Francisco M. Ortigas IIIThe Club co-hosted the Diamond Joint District Conference for Rotary's 60th year in the Philippines The Club and the Rotary Club of Mandaluyong co-hosted the Diamond Joint District Conference on 1–3 March 1979 at the Philippine International Convention Center. On 1 March, Rotary International President Clem Renouf spoke at the Club's meeting at the Manila Hilton. Balita No. 1887, page 305The Club organized the Rotary Club of Intramuros During the 1980–81 Rotary year, under President Marcelo S. Balatbat, the Club organized the Rotary Club of Intramuros. It also funded lighting around the GOMBURZA monument. Past Presidents: Marcelo S. BalatbatThe Bureau of Posts issued stamps for Rotary's 75th anniversary and honored the Club Officials of the Bureau of Posts met the Club about the distribution and sale of the Rotary 75th Anniversary commemorative stamps. The Bureau presented first day covers and stamps as a souvenir to the Club through President Francisco Ortigas III. Balita No. 1923, page 445 - 1980–1981
PresidentMarcelo S. Balatbat
Marcelo “Liloy” S. Balatbat, a businessman and former Secretary of Commerce and Industry, served as Manila Rotary’s sixty-first president. His term provided typhoon relief in Cagayan and Isabela, funded lighting around the GOMBURZA monument, and supported early cancer detection for women. He also promoted road safety, sponsored a mini-marathon for newsboys, and organized the Rotary Club of Intramuros.
The Club organized the Rotary Club of Intramuros During the 1980–81 Rotary year, under President Marcelo S. Balatbat, the Club organized the Rotary Club of Intramuros. It also funded lighting around the GOMBURZA monument. Past Presidents: Marcelo S. BalatbatThe Bureau of Posts issued stamps for Rotary's 75th anniversary and honored the Club Officials of the Bureau of Posts met the Club about the distribution and sale of the Rotary 75th Anniversary commemorative stamps. The Bureau presented first day covers and stamps as a souvenir to the Club through President Francisco Ortigas III. Balita No. 1923, page 445The Club planted 600 mahogany trees along J. Abad Santos Avenue in Tondo On 5 September 1981 the Club planted 600 mahogany trees along 20 selected areas of J. Abad Santos Avenue in Tondo, to improve the environment and quality of life there. Balita No. 2007, page 79The Club held the RCM Newsboys Mini-Marathon with more than 400 entries On 13 September 1981 the Club's Newsboys Mini-Marathon drew more than 400 entries competing for ₱10,000 in cash prizes. It was held to focus attention on the public service newsboys render, as the Club's observance of Rotary's Youth Activities Week. Balita No. 2007, page 79 - 1981–1982
PresidentReynaldo A. Concepcion
Reynaldo “Rene” A. Concepcion, a Filipino industrialist and corporate executive, served as Manila Rotary’s sixty-second president. His term brought membership to 403 and provided medical assistance to 1,869 disadvantaged patients. The club also planted 600 mahogany trees in Tondo, published an illustrated safe-driving manual, supported charitable institutions, and honored twelve outstanding workers through the TOWER Awards.
The Club planted 600 mahogany trees along J. Abad Santos Avenue in Tondo On 5 September 1981 the Club planted 600 mahogany trees along 20 selected areas of J. Abad Santos Avenue in Tondo, to improve the environment and quality of life there. Balita No. 2007, page 79The Club held the RCM Newsboys Mini-Marathon with more than 400 entries On 13 September 1981 the Club's Newsboys Mini-Marathon drew more than 400 entries competing for ₱10,000 in cash prizes. It was held to focus attention on the public service newsboys render, as the Club's observance of Rotary's Youth Activities Week. Balita No. 2007, page 79 - 1982–1983
PresidentVicente J. Carlos
Vicente “Vince” J. Carlos, a lawyer who later became Philippine Tourism Secretary, served as Manila Rotary’s sixty-third president. His term rehabilitated fifty communal toilets at the National Penitentiary, earning Rotary recognition, and raised ₱135,200 for medical missions. He also renovated Rotary Circle, organized the Rotary Club of Manila San Miguel and PLM’s Rotaract Club, and strengthened international sister-club ties.
The Club set up a medical supply bank and a blindness-prevention campaign During the 1983–84 Rotary year, under President Aurelio H. Reyes Jr., the Club established a supply bank for medical missions and launched a blindness-prevention campaign. It also published a history of the TOWER Awards. Past Presidents: Aurelio H. Reyes Jr. - 1983–1984
PresidentAurelio H. Reyes Jr.
Aurelio “Relly” H. Reyes, Jr. a businessman and Philippine Racing Club director, served as Manila Rotary’s sixty-fourth president. He established a supply bank for medical missions, launched a blindness-prevention campaign, and published a history of the TOWER Awards. His term also sponsored Newsboy Sports Day, forged sister-club ties with Bangkok, and increased membership by 44, or twelve percent.
The Club set up a medical supply bank and a blindness-prevention campaign During the 1983–84 Rotary year, under President Aurelio H. Reyes Jr., the Club established a supply bank for medical missions and launched a blindness-prevention campaign. It also published a history of the TOWER Awards. Past Presidents: Aurelio H. Reyes Jr. - 1984–1985
PresidentSantiago F. Dumlao Jr.
Santiago “Santi” F. Dumlao Jr., a corporate lawyer and financial executive who later headed FINEX, served as Manila Rotary’s sixty-fifth president. He hosted Rotary’s Asia Regional Conference, attended by Mother Teresa, and launched the club’s first National Issues Forum and teacher development training for 104 public-school beneficiaries. His term returned meetings to Manila Hotel and added 55 members and fifteen Paul Harris Fellows.
- 1985–1986
PresidentRomulo M. Del Rosario
Romulo “Romy” M. del Rosario, a civil engineer who later served as DPWH Undersecretary, led Manila Rotary as its sixty-sixth president. He revived the Journalism Awards, supported victims of election and People Power violence, and helped rehabilitate Radio Veritas’s transmitter. His term also improved the Rotary Center in Paco, supported livelihood projects, and raised ₱200,000 for the Foundation for the Rehabilitation of Street Children.
The Club supported victims of election and People Power violence and Radio Veritas During 1985–86, under President Romulo M. del Rosario, the Club supported victims of election and People Power violence and helped rehabilitate Radio Veritas's transmitter. It also raised ₱200,000 for the Foundation for the Rehabilitation of Street Children. Past Presidents: Romulo M. Del Rosario - 1986–1987
PresidentEdgardo P. Reyes
Edgardo “Ed” P. Reyes, a corporate executive and real estate developer associated with Gonzalo Puyat & Sons, served as Manila Rotary’s sixty-seventh president. He launched “Sagip Kabataan” and shifted scholarships toward vocational training, benefiting 300 Tondo youths in its first year. His term also supported medical missions for police and military personnel, established international sister-club ties, and added 44 members and twelve Paul Harris Fellows.
The Club supported victims of election and People Power violence and Radio Veritas During 1985–86, under President Romulo M. del Rosario, the Club supported victims of election and People Power violence and helped rehabilitate Radio Veritas's transmitter. It also raised ₱200,000 for the Foundation for the Rehabilitation of Street Children. Past Presidents: Romulo M. Del RosarioThe Club launched Sagip-Kabataan, its project for street children and young offenders The Club's meeting of 5 February 1987, with Canadian Ambassador Russell Davidson as guest of honor, also marked the launching of the Sagip-Kabataan project. The Balita described it as a program to bring about a juvenile justice system and speedier legal and social services for young offenders. Balita No. 2252, page 40Gen. Fidel V. "Eddie" Ramos addressed the Club at its People Power Anniversary meeting At the People Power Anniversary meeting on 26 February 1987, the Club presented the Paul Harris Award pin and medal to Rotarian Gen. Fidel V. "Eddie" Ramos, then Chief of Staff of the armed forces, for his role in the 1986 People Power revolution. He was also the guest of honor and speaker. Balita No. 1987, page 187 - 1987–1988
PresidentJose Antonio Santos
Dr. Jose “Joe” Antonio Santos, a general surgeon and UST medical professor, served as Manila Rotary’s sixty-eighth president. He organized medical missions serving 2,156 disadvantaged patients, facilitated eye care for 7,917 people, and supported childhood vaccination. His term also raised ₱650,000 for vocational scholarships, promoted teacher training, established a youth exchange with Nagasaki, and hosted the 1988 District Conference.
The Club launched Sagip-Kabataan, its project for street children and young offenders The Club's meeting of 5 February 1987, with Canadian Ambassador Russell Davidson as guest of honor, also marked the launching of the Sagip-Kabataan project. The Balita described it as a program to bring about a juvenile justice system and speedier legal and social services for young offenders. Balita No. 2252, page 40Gen. Fidel V. "Eddie" Ramos addressed the Club at its People Power Anniversary meeting At the People Power Anniversary meeting on 26 February 1987, the Club presented the Paul Harris Award pin and medal to Rotarian Gen. Fidel V. "Eddie" Ramos, then Chief of Staff of the armed forces, for his role in the 1986 People Power revolution. He was also the guest of honor and speaker. Balita No. 1987, page 187The Club established a youth exchange with Nagasaki and raised ₱650,000 for vocational scholarships During 1987–88, under President Jose Antonio Santos, the Club established a youth exchange with Nagasaki. It also raised ₱650,000 for vocational scholarships and organized medical missions serving 2,156 patients. Past Presidents: Jose Antonio Santos - 1988–1989
PresidentArsenio M. Bartolome III
Arsenio “Archit” M. Bartolome III, a banker and corporate executive, served as Manila Rotary’s sixty-ninth president. He inaugurated the Sagip Kabataan Center and opened an eye operating room at the Rotary Center in Paco. His term also strengthened sister-club ties with Seoul, supported youth competitions and Scouting, and welcomed 45 members and eleven new Paul Harris Fellows.
The Club established a youth exchange with Nagasaki and raised ₱650,000 for vocational scholarships During 1987–88, under President Jose Antonio Santos, the Club established a youth exchange with Nagasaki. It also raised ₱650,000 for vocational scholarships and organized medical missions serving 2,156 patients. Past Presidents: Jose Antonio SantosThe Club celebrated its 70th anniversary with a Black and White Ball and brother-club visits The Club's 70th anniversary festivities, themed "Mighty at Seventy... Onward to Greater Glory", ran from 26 to 28 January 1989. They included a fellowship night, a Black and White Ball at the Manila Hotel and visits by almost a hundred delegates from ten brother clubs. Balita No. 2352, page 70The Sagip-Kabataan Center for street children was inaugurated The Sagip-Kabataan Center was inaugurated on 27 January 1989 at the Hospicio de San Vicente de Paul, with Jaime Cardinal Sin officiating and Social Welfare Secretary Mita Pardo de Tavera as guest of honor. Balita No. 2352, page 70The Club-sponsored SOS Children's Village for orphans at Ayala Alabang was inaugurated The Balita listed the inauguration of the SOS Kinderdorf Children's Village for orphans, sponsored by the Club, at Ayala Alabang on Saturday, 28 January 1989, as part of the 70th anniversary program. Balita No. 2352, page 70The RCM Eye Operating Room opened at the Rotary Center in Paco The Club inaugurated the RCM Eye Operating Room on 1 March 1989 at the second floor of the Rotary Center in Plaza Dilao, Paco. It offers free surgery for indigent cataract patients, and in the first quarter of 1989 the outreach eye clinic operated on 463 patients. Balita No. 2354, page 62
Presidents and term notes from the Past presidents roll, drawn from “The Work That Endures” (2026) and the Balita archive.