Global Partnerships, Local Depth
In the 1990s the Club worked as a strategic civic partner, from earthquake relief in 1990 to helping farmers reclaim lahar-covered fields after Mount Pinatubo. It expanded its eye-care programs and celebrated its Diamond Anniversary in 1994.
- 1989–1990
PresidentRicardo R. dela Cruz
Ricardo “R.R.” R. de la Cruz, a public relations pioneer and former student leader, served as Manila Rotary’s seventieth president. His term delivered five medical missions benefiting approximately 4,570 disadvantaged patients and launched “Operation: Light a Candle,” providing eye care to 1,000 people. He also introduced a community medical fund, supported typhoon relief, and organized Christmas assistance for 550 families in Paco.
The 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 62The Club sponsored 185 projects and raised a record ₱22 million under President Panganiban A Balita report on 1990–91, under President Artemio V. Panganiban, says the Club sponsored 185 projects and activities and raised and spent ₱22 million, recorded as a record in the Club's history. The report cites a commitment to serve the poor, the afflicted and the weak. Balita No. 2439, page 1072The Club set up a Tent City in Baguio after the 16 July earthquake After the earthquake of 16 July 1990, the Club established a "Tent City" in Burnham Park, Baguio for 250 families and sent medical teams to the devastated areas. It raised ₱8 million for relief and rehabilitation. Balita No. 2439, page 1072 - 1990–1991
PresidentArtemio V. Panganiban
Artemio “Art” V. Panganiban, a lawyer who later became the Philippines’ twenty-first Chief Justice, served as Manila Rotary’s seventy-first president. He raised ₱22 million for 182 projects addressing hunger, health, environmental conservation, and literacy. His term mobilized earthquake, typhoon, and Pinatubo relief, established Baguio’s Tent City, and hosted 2,695 district conference delegates, earning the club a Most Outstanding Club citation.
The Club sponsored 185 projects and raised a record ₱22 million under President Panganiban A Balita report on 1990–91, under President Artemio V. Panganiban, says the Club sponsored 185 projects and activities and raised and spent ₱22 million, recorded as a record in the Club's history. The report cites a commitment to serve the poor, the afflicted and the weak. Balita No. 2439, page 1072The Club set up a Tent City in Baguio after the 16 July earthquake After the earthquake of 16 July 1990, the Club established a "Tent City" in Burnham Park, Baguio for 250 families and sent medical teams to the devastated areas. It raised ₱8 million for relief and rehabilitation. Balita No. 2439, page 1072The Club mobilised relief after the Mt. Pinatubo eruption During the 1990–91 presidency of Artemio V. Panganiban, the Club mobilised earthquake, typhoon and Pinatubo relief. The term raised ₱22 million for 182 projects on hunger, health, environment and literacy. Past PresidentsFINEX thanked the Club for printing the first Koop Komiks On 7 November 1991 the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) presented a Plaque of Appreciation to the Club for its support in printing the first edition of the Koop Komiks. Past Presidents📰 LIBERTY AND PROSPERITY | The Making of Chief Justice Artemio Villaseñor Panganiban Jr.📖 Balita 1990–91, Nos. 2417–2437📖 Balita 1990–91, Nos. 2391–2415📖 Balita 1990–91, Nos. 2416–2438📖 Balita 1990–91, Nos. 2391–2416🏆 3 plaques and trophies📚 Program of Action RY 1990-1991📚 Program of Action RY 1990-1991📚 Program of Action RY 1990-1991📚 Program of Action RY 1990-1991📚 Rotary foundation information booklet - 1991–1992
PresidentFrancisco S. Roman
Francisco “Frankie” S. Roman, a lawyer, businessman, and international Scouting leader, served as Manila Rotary’s seventy-second president. He launched the Mt. Pinatubo Rehabilitation Project, helping farmers cultivate rice in lahar-covered fields and earning Rotary International recognition. His term also established the RCM Eye Bank Foundation for research and corneal transplants, sponsored the Rotary Club of Tondo and eight Interact clubs, and created a justice committee.
The Club mobilised relief after the Mt. Pinatubo eruption During the 1990–91 presidency of Artemio V. Panganiban, the Club mobilised earthquake, typhoon and Pinatubo relief. The term raised ₱22 million for 182 projects on hunger, health, environment and literacy. Past PresidentsFINEX thanked the Club for printing the first Koop Komiks On 7 November 1991 the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) presented a Plaque of Appreciation to the Club for its support in printing the first edition of the Koop Komiks. Past PresidentsDistrict 3810 honoured the Club's Mt. Pinatubo Rehabilitation Project A Governor's Citation praised the Club, headed by President Francisco "Frankie" S. Roman, for initiating and implementing the Mt. Pinatubo Rehabilitation Project, based on self-help and self-reliance. Roman's term also established the RCM Eye Bank Foundation. Past PresidentsRotary International gave the Club a 1992–93 Presidential Citation The citation, signed by R.I. President Clifford L. Dochterman, recognised a well-balanced program in all Four Avenues of Rotary Service. Past Presidents - 1992–1993
PresidentCrispino P. Reyes
Crispino “Babes” P. Reyes, a lawyer, educator, and president of Central Colleges of the Philippines, served as Manila Rotary’s seventy-third president. His term sent relief missions to Bataan and Southern Leyte, facilitated an ambulance donation to the Philippine Heart Center, and secured 38 motorcycles for the Newsboys Project. He also funded scholarships and vocational training, supported Manila beautification, and strengthened fellowship among past presidents.
District 3810 honoured the Club's Mt. Pinatubo Rehabilitation Project A Governor's Citation praised the Club, headed by President Francisco "Frankie" S. Roman, for initiating and implementing the Mt. Pinatubo Rehabilitation Project, based on self-help and self-reliance. Roman's term also established the RCM Eye Bank Foundation. Past PresidentsRotary International gave the Club a 1992–93 Presidential Citation The citation, signed by R.I. President Clifford L. Dochterman, recognised a well-balanced program in all Four Avenues of Rotary Service. Past PresidentsThe Club announced plans for its 75th Diamond Anniversary A Balita update listed a commemorative stamp for the Philippine Postal Corporation, commemorative car plates for 1994, and a history book of the Club then in its final review. Balita No. 2566, page 100 - 1993–1994
PresidentLeocadio M. de Asis
Leocadio “Edgie” de Asis, a lawyer, businessman, and wartime veteran, served as Manila Rotary’s seventy-fourth president. He marked its diamond anniversary by authoring Crusade of Service: 75 Years of Rotary Club of Manila. His term supported eye clinics serving 3,057 patients, immunization of 34,753 children and mothers, vocational scholarships for thirty youths, teacher leadership training, and tree planting in Mehan Garden.
The Club announced plans for its 75th Diamond Anniversary A Balita update listed a commemorative stamp for the Philippine Postal Corporation, commemorative car plates for 1994, and a history book of the Club then in its final review. Balita No. 2566, page 100President de Asis marked the diamond anniversary with a history book Leocadio "Edgie" de Asis, the Club's 74th president, authored Crusade of Service: 75 Years of Rotary Club of Manila. His term also supported eye clinics serving 3,057 patients and immunization of 34,753 children and mothers. Past PresidentsThe Philippine Postal Corporation issued a 75th anniversary stamp A souvenir frame with the stamp and first day cover, issued on 19 January 1994, was presented to the Club on 23 February 1994 by Postmaster General Eduardo P. Pilapil. Past Presidents - 1994–1995
PresidentJuanito N. Ferrer
Juanito “Jannet” N. Ferrer, a civil engineer, military veteran, and former DPWH Secretary, served as Manila Rotary’s seventy-fifth president. His term expanded vision screening, inaugurated an eye operating room in Sampaloc, and launched the RCM Drug Abuse Prevention Foundation. He also supported thirty scholars, facilitated donations of firetrucks and an ambulance, and organized the Rotaract Club of Eastern Telecommunication.
President de Asis marked the diamond anniversary with a history book Leocadio "Edgie" de Asis, the Club's 74th president, authored Crusade of Service: 75 Years of Rotary Club of Manila. His term also supported eye clinics serving 3,057 patients and immunization of 34,753 children and mothers. Past PresidentsThe Philippine Postal Corporation issued a 75th anniversary stamp A souvenir frame with the stamp and first day cover, issued on 19 January 1994, was presented to the Club on 23 February 1994 by Postmaster General Eduardo P. Pilapil. Past PresidentsRotary recognised the Club's membership growth with a Silver Award The Club received a Silver Award for the second highest membership net gain (absolute number) for Rotary Year 1995–96. President Aniceto Saludo's term raised membership by thirteen percent and introduced 84 new Paul Harris Fellows. Past PresidentsThe TOWER Awards for blue-collar workers were set to be revived A January 1995 Balita report said the TOWER Awards, honoring workers in blue-collar work, were to be revived under the chairmanship of PS Bien Magnaye. President Aniceto Saludo's 1995–96 term is recorded as reviving the awards. Balita No. 2631, page 27 - 1995–1996
PresidentAniceto G. Saludo Jr.
Aniceto “Dong” G. Saludo Jr., a lawyer, corporate executive, and legislator, served as Manila Rotary’s seventy-sixth president. He raised typhoon relief funds, inaugurated an eye operating room at Ospital ng Tondo, and supported cardiac care for disadvantaged patients. His term revived the TOWER Awards, increased membership by thirteen percent, and introduced 84 new Paul Harris Fellows, earning Rotary International recognition.
Rotary recognised the Club's membership growth with a Silver Award The Club received a Silver Award for the second highest membership net gain (absolute number) for Rotary Year 1995–96. President Aniceto Saludo's term raised membership by thirteen percent and introduced 84 new Paul Harris Fellows. Past PresidentsThe TOWER Awards for blue-collar workers were set to be revived A January 1995 Balita report said the TOWER Awards, honoring workers in blue-collar work, were to be revived under the chairmanship of PS Bien Magnaye. President Aniceto Saludo's 1995–96 term is recorded as reviving the awards. Balita No. 2631, page 27Rotary International gave the Club a 1996–97 Presidential Citation The citation "to Build the Future" recognised the Club's outstanding leadership within the four avenues of service. President Domingo Guevara's term also initiated the first Urban Peace Forum. Past PresidentsThe Club's history was recorded in the film "History in Video" A commemorative piece marking 77 years of service describes the Club as "The First and Largest in Asia" and carries the title "History in Video", a documentary on the Club's history. Past Presidents - 1996–1997
PresidentDomingo S. Guevara Jr.
Domingo “Boy” S. Guevara Jr., a businessman and corporate executive associated with Guevent Investments, served as Manila Rotary’s seventy-seventh president. He initiated the first Urban Peace Forum, supported youth vocational training through “Train Now, Pay Later,” and facilitated firetruck and ambulance donations from Japan. His term also strengthened international sister-club ties, supported Pasig River rehabilitation fundraising, and introduced the RCM Presidential Golf Cup.
Rotary International gave the Club a 1996–97 Presidential Citation The citation "to Build the Future" recognised the Club's outstanding leadership within the four avenues of service. President Domingo Guevara's term also initiated the first Urban Peace Forum. Past PresidentsThe Club's history was recorded in the film "History in Video" A commemorative piece marking 77 years of service describes the Club as "The First and Largest in Asia" and carries the title "History in Video", a documentary on the Club's history. Past PresidentsThe Club organised an Urban Peace Conference for District 3810 On 21 February 1997, at the District Conference at the PICC, the Club and Chairman Miguel Ma. Guerrero were recognised for organising a special Urban Peace Conference, supporting R.I. President Luis Vicente Giay's theme "Building the Future by Working for Urban Peace." Past Presidents - 1997–1998
PresidentNestor M. Sevilla
Nestor “Netoy” M. Sevilla, a lawyer and businessman in customs brokerage, served as Manila Rotary’s seventy-eighth president. He led Philippine centennial celebrations and gathered seven presidential aspirants at a club meeting. His term also supported a four-day medical mission to Camiguin, distributed anti-drug comic books nationwide, updated the club’s Speakers Bureau, and welcomed twenty-nine new Paul Harris Fellows.
The Club organised an Urban Peace Conference for District 3810 On 21 February 1997, at the District Conference at the PICC, the Club and Chairman Miguel Ma. Guerrero were recognised for organising a special Urban Peace Conference, supporting R.I. President Luis Vicente Giay's theme "Building the Future by Working for Urban Peace." Past PresidentsThe Club led in the Philippine Centennial year and won district awards For Rotary Year 1997–98 Rotary International District 3810 named the Club best for its Philippine Centennial Celebration program, community service, vocational service, and alleviation of poverty and hunger. President Nestor Sevilla's term led the centennial celebrations and gathered seven presidential aspirants at a Club meeting. Past PresidentsThe Club won tug-of-war and sack race titles at Palarotary '98 At Palarotary '98 at Rizal Memorial Stadium on 22 February 1998, the Club took the tug-of-war adult division and the sack race for ages 21–30. Past Presidents - 1998–1999
PresidentPeter H. Wohlrab
Peter H. Wohlrab, a German business executive with an international industrial career, served as Manila Rotary’s seventy-ninth president. His term inaugurated the “Pagkalinga sa Mata” Eye Center and provided free eye care to 1,494 disadvantaged patients. He also hosted the District Family Olympics, supported management training for educators and leadership development for youths, and introduced electronic membership cards for attendance tracking.
The Club led in the Philippine Centennial year and won district awards For Rotary Year 1997–98 Rotary International District 3810 named the Club best for its Philippine Centennial Celebration program, community service, vocational service, and alleviation of poverty and hunger. President Nestor Sevilla's term led the centennial celebrations and gathered seven presidential aspirants at a Club meeting. Past PresidentsThe Club won tug-of-war and sack race titles at Palarotary '98 At Palarotary '98 at Rizal Memorial Stadium on 22 February 1998, the Club took the tug-of-war adult division and the sack race for ages 21–30. Past PresidentsThe Club received the Peace Ambassador Award as first international Rotary Peace City On 25 February 1999 the First International Peace City Conference conferred the Peace Ambassador Award on the Club, in recognition of Manila as the first international Rotary Peace City, in celebration of Makati's declaration. Peace Cities, Balita No. 2853The Clean River Zone project took shape under Rtn. Howard Belton An August 1999 Balita pictured Rtn. Howard Belton as project chairman of the Club's Clean River Zone. The project was launched in President Fortunato "Tito" Gupit Jr.'s term with a US$40,000 Unilever grant. Balita No. 2851, page 24Visiting Rotary leaders toured the Pagkalinga sa Mata Center On 16 September 1999 Rotary International Director Bill Boyd and District Governor Rudy Zamora of District 3770 visited the Club's Pagkalinga sa Mata Center at the Hospital of the Infant Jesus, where Rtn. Jack Bautista explained the eye equipment. Balita No. 2853, page 201
Presidents and term notes from the Past presidents roll, drawn from “The Work That Endures” (2026) and the Balita archive.