1999–2009

Scale, Technology and Transition

In the new millennium, the Club focused on making its service work at scale. It ran multinational medical missions, secured a long-term lease for its headquarters, and moved disaster response toward multi-year rehabilitation. It also embraced culture and digital tools while keeping its tradition of fellowship.

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

1999–2000
PresidentFortunato I. Gupit Jr.
Fortunato “Tito” I. Gupit Jr., a legal scholar, author, and educator, served as Manila Rotary’s eightieth president. He launched the “Clean River Zone” project with a US$40,000 Unilever grant and an internationally supported anti-poverty initiative. His term also promoted tree planting, environmental scholarships, healthcare and legal partnerships, and welcomed thirty-five new Paul Harris Fellows.

The 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. 2853
The 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 24
Visiting 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
The Club swept district awards for Rotary Year 1999–2000 On 27 June 2000 District 3810 presented the Club with more than a dozen awards in its "Quest for Rotary's Best", including most outstanding club in youth service and in vocational service. Past Presidents
The Club honoured Frankie Roman as first Governor of the new District 3810 At the July 2000 turnover meeting, President Tito Gupit presented a plaque of merit to Past District Governor Frankie Roman as the first District Governor of the new R.I. District 3810. Balita No. 2897, page 68

📖 Balita 1999–00, Nos. 2845–2869 🏆 26 plaques and trophies 📚 Discon 2000 📚 Discon 2000 📚 The 1999 tower awards 📚 [19 pages]
2000–2001
PresidentSebastian B. Arrastia
Sebastian “Buster” B. Arrastia, a civic leader active in environmental and educational service, served as Manila Rotary’s eighty-first president. His term promoted waste management and San Juan River cleanups, organized a job fair, and supported teacher training. The club also provided eye care to 158 patients in Negros Oriental, funded vocational scholarships for 100 beneficiaries, and welcomed seventeen Paul Harris Fellows.

The Club swept district awards for Rotary Year 1999–2000 On 27 June 2000 District 3810 presented the Club with more than a dozen awards in its "Quest for Rotary's Best", including most outstanding club in youth service and in vocational service. Past Presidents
The Club honoured Frankie Roman as first Governor of the new District 3810 At the July 2000 turnover meeting, President Tito Gupit presented a plaque of merit to Past District Governor Frankie Roman as the first District Governor of the new R.I. District 3810. Balita No. 2897, page 68
The Rotaract Club of Manila was chartered with the Club as sponsor The Rotaract Club of Manila, in R.I. District 3810, was chartered on 6 February 2001 and sponsored by the Rotary Club of Manila. Past Presidents
District 3810 named the Club overall most outstanding for 2000–01 On 30 June 2001 the district gave the Club its award as overall most outstanding Rotary club for Rotary Year 2000–2001, and also as overall most outstanding in community service. Past Presidents

📖 Balita 2000–01, Nos. 2870–2894 📖 Balita 2000–01, Nos. 2895–2916 🏆 50 plaques and trophies 📚 Discon 2000 📚 Discon 2000 📚 Joint valedictory & inaugural meeting 2001 📚 Joint valedictory & inaugural meeting 2001 📚 [19 pages]
2001–2002
PresidentEdgardo E. Tumangan
Edgardo “Ed” E. Tumangan, a lawyer and business executive, served as Manila Rotary’s eighty-second president. He adopted a youth entrepreneurship program with the International Labor Organization and supported a job fair that secured 121 immediate hires. His term also provided medical care to 2,255 patients and eye services to 3,496 people, inaugurated a hearing center, and introduced the Gawad Agham journalism award.

The Rotaract Club of Manila was chartered with the Club as sponsor The Rotaract Club of Manila, in R.I. District 3810, was chartered on 6 February 2001 and sponsored by the Rotary Club of Manila. Past Presidents
District 3810 named the Club overall most outstanding for 2000–01 On 30 June 2001 the district gave the Club its award as overall most outstanding Rotary club for Rotary Year 2000–2001, and also as overall most outstanding in community service. Past Presidents
The Club launched its 2002 Journalism Awards, including Gawad Agham A Balita of 2 May 2002 described the Journalism Awards as recognising works on Philippine culture and science (Gawad Kalinangan and Gawad Agham), alongside the TOWER Awards. The Gawad Agham was introduced in President Edgardo Tumangan's term. Balita No. 2981, page 5
The Club scheduled its Job Fair 2002 at the Isetann Cinerama Complex The calendar in Balita No. 2979 listed Job Fair 2002 for 10 May at the Isetann Cinerama Complex, Recto, Manila. The 2001–02 term supported a job fair that secured 121 immediate hires. Balita No. 2979, page 29

📖 Balita 2001–02, Nos. 2943–2964 📖 Balita 2001–02, Nos. 2942–2964 📖 Balita 2001–02, Nos. 2917–2941 🏆 52 plaques and trophies 📚 Joint valedictory & inaugural meeting 2001 📚 Joint valedictory & inaugural meeting 2001
2002–2003
PresidentOscar M. de Baybay
Oscar “OB” M. de Baybay, a civic leader involved in healthcare and youth development, served as Manila Rotary’s eighty-third president. His term organized eighteen medical missions benefiting over 3,200 patients, secured an ultrasound donation commitment for Sorsogon Provincial Hospital, and supported technician training. He also funded cataract surgeries, raised support for Sagip Kabataan and leukemia care, and launched the Philippine Youth Business Foundation.

The Club launched its 2002 Journalism Awards, including Gawad Agham A Balita of 2 May 2002 described the Journalism Awards as recognising works on Philippine culture and science (Gawad Kalinangan and Gawad Agham), alongside the TOWER Awards. The Gawad Agham was introduced in President Edgardo Tumangan's term. Balita No. 2981, page 5
The Club scheduled its Job Fair 2002 at the Isetann Cinerama Complex The calendar in Balita No. 2979 listed Job Fair 2002 for 10 May at the Isetann Cinerama Complex, Recto, Manila. The 2001–02 term supported a job fair that secured 121 immediate hires. Balita No. 2979, page 29
The Club gave a Membership Award to PRIP M.A.T. Caparas at its 84th Anniversary At the Club's 84th Anniversary at The Manila Hotel on 19 June 2003, a Membership Award went to M.A.T. Caparas, Past Rotary International President, for 43 years in the Club. Past Presidents
A Save-A-Heart mission operated on 23 patients in Bohol From 21 to 26 July 2003 at the Gov. Gallares Memorial Hospital in Tagbilaran City, a mission supported by the Rotary Foundation Gift of Life matching grant of the Club gave heart surgery to 23 Boholanos. Balita No. 3039, page 102

📖 Balita 2002–03, Nos. 2990–3013 📖 Balita 2002–03, Nos. null–null 📖 Balita 2002–03, Nos. 2965–2989 📖 Balita 2002–03, Nos. 3013–2990 🏆 29 plaques and trophies 📚 Tower awards 2003 📚 Tower awards 2003
2003–2004
PresidentRenato A. Ampil
Renato “Boy” A. Ampil, a customs broker and former Customs Commissioner, served as Manila Rotary’s eighty-fourth president. He launched the US$600,000 Gift of Life program for hospital equipment and technician training in Sorsogon. His term also delivered medical missions, supported a child’s heart surgery, funded Sagip Kabataan, and partnered on an occupational and speech therapy clinic, closing with a ₱2.2 million surplus.

The Club gave a Membership Award to PRIP M.A.T. Caparas at its 84th Anniversary At the Club's 84th Anniversary at The Manila Hotel on 19 June 2003, a Membership Award went to M.A.T. Caparas, Past Rotary International President, for 43 years in the Club. Past Presidents
A Save-A-Heart mission operated on 23 patients in Bohol From 21 to 26 July 2003 at the Gov. Gallares Memorial Hospital in Tagbilaran City, a mission supported by the Rotary Foundation Gift of Life matching grant of the Club gave heart surgery to 23 Boholanos. Balita No. 3039, page 102
President Alejandro "Alex" Yap Jr. was named Most Outstanding Club President District 3810 gave the Most Outstanding Rotary Club President Overall award to Centennial President Alejandro "Alex" L. Yap, Jr. Past Presidents
The Club joined Rotary's centennial year as a Centennial Twin Club The Club was recognised as a Centennial Community Project Participating Club and Centennial Twin Club for 2004–05. President Alejandro Yap's term committed ₱1 million toward a 100-unit Rotary Village in Taguig. Past Presidents

📖 Balita 2003–04, Nos. 3036–3060 📖 Balita 2003–04, Nos. 3061–2003 🏆 11 plaques and trophies 📚 Tower awards 2003 📚 Tower awards 2003
2004–2005
PresidentAlejandro L. Yap Jr.
Alejandro “Alex” L. Yap Jr., a civic leader active in Rotary service, served as Manila Rotary’s eighty-fifth president. His term delivered medical missions serving nearly 4,000 patients and committed ₱1 million toward a 100-unit Rotary Village in Taguig. He also partnered with Kowloon East on occupational therapy and community facilities, and launched the club’s annual Tourism Awards.

President Alejandro "Alex" Yap Jr. was named Most Outstanding Club President District 3810 gave the Most Outstanding Rotary Club President Overall award to Centennial President Alejandro "Alex" L. Yap, Jr. Past Presidents
The Club joined Rotary's centennial year as a Centennial Twin Club The Club was recognised as a Centennial Community Project Participating Club and Centennial Twin Club for 2004–05. President Alejandro Yap's term committed ₱1 million toward a 100-unit Rotary Village in Taguig. Past Presidents
The Club launched its annual Tourism Awards President Alejandro Yap's 2004–05 term launched the Tourism Awards. By May 2006 Balita reported the 2nd RCM/NAITAS Tourism Awards, conceived by PD Bobby Joseph in cooperation with the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies. Balita No. 3178, page 13
Club Rotarians travelled to the convention marking Rotary's centennial An April 2006 Balita recalled the Centennial of Rotary International, celebrated in 2005 with a number of Club Rotarians flying to the RI Convention. Under President Cesar Ubaldo (2005–06) the Club also launched the Commitment to Justice Awards. Balita No. 3173, page 11

📖 Balita 2004–05, Nos. 3085–3109 📖 Balita 2004–05, Nos. 3085–3134 📖 Balita 2004–05, Nos. null–null 🏆 16 plaques and trophies
2005–2006
PresidentCesar C. Ubaldo
Dr. Cesar C. Ubaldo, a physician and civic leader involved in healthcare outreach, served as Manila Rotary’s eighty-sixth president. He inaugurated Habitat for Humanity’s Rotary Village in Taguig, launched the Commitment to Justice Awards, and revived the TOWER Awards. His term also established sister-club ties with Tokyo Tama, supported medical information initiatives, and partnered with DepEd to honor public school principals.

The Club launched its annual Tourism Awards President Alejandro Yap's 2004–05 term launched the Tourism Awards. By May 2006 Balita reported the 2nd RCM/NAITAS Tourism Awards, conceived by PD Bobby Joseph in cooperation with the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies. Balita No. 3178, page 13
Club Rotarians travelled to the convention marking Rotary's centennial An April 2006 Balita recalled the Centennial of Rotary International, celebrated in 2005 with a number of Club Rotarians flying to the RI Convention. Under President Cesar Ubaldo (2005–06) the Club also launched the Commitment to Justice Awards. Balita No. 3173, page 11
Ground was broken for the Rotary Village in Taguig On 15 February 2006 Club members led by PP Toting del Rosario, project chairman, held groundbreaking ceremonies for the Habitat for Humanity–RCM Rotary Village in Taguig City, with Mayor Sigfrido R. Tinga present. Balita No. 3167, page 8
The Club signed a sister-club agreement with Rotary Club of Tokyo Tama At the 87th Anniversary Dinner Fellowship, President Cesar Ubaldo received from the Rotary Club of Tokyo Tama (D-2750) the signed sisterhood agreement between the two clubs. Balita No. 3180, page 8
Portraits of the Club's past presidents were presented to the Club The Balita of 14 December 2006 listed the "Presentation of RCM Presidents' Portraits". The 2006–07 term of President Francis Juico completed the Presidents Portraits Gallery. Balita of 14 December 2006

📖 Balita 2005–06, Nos. null–null 📖 Balita 2005–06, Nos. 3135–3158 📖 Balita 2005–06, Nos. 3110–3124 🏆 35 plaques and trophies 📚 Tower awards 2006
2006–2007
PresidentFrancis E. Juico
Francis E. Juico, a civic leader active in community service, served as Manila Rotary’s eighty-seventh president. His term delivered medical missions to Rizal, Bulacan, and Palawan, supported livelihoods in Aurora, and completed training for 54 medical equipment technicians. He also established partnerships for school support and English proficiency, and completed the club’s Presidents Portraits Gallery, helping preserve its institutional history.

Ground was broken for the Rotary Village in Taguig On 15 February 2006 Club members led by PP Toting del Rosario, project chairman, held groundbreaking ceremonies for the Habitat for Humanity–RCM Rotary Village in Taguig City, with Mayor Sigfrido R. Tinga present. Balita No. 3167, page 8
The Club signed a sister-club agreement with Rotary Club of Tokyo Tama At the 87th Anniversary Dinner Fellowship, President Cesar Ubaldo received from the Rotary Club of Tokyo Tama (D-2750) the signed sisterhood agreement between the two clubs. Balita No. 3180, page 8
Portraits of the Club's past presidents were presented to the Club The Balita of 14 December 2006 listed the "Presentation of RCM Presidents' Portraits". The 2006–07 term of President Francis Juico completed the Presidents Portraits Gallery. Balita of 14 December 2006
The Club completed training for 54 medical equipment technicians President Francis Juico's term delivered medical missions to Rizal, Bulacan and Palawan, supported livelihoods in Aurora, and completed the training of 54 medical equipment technicians. Past Presidents
The Club honoured the late PP Edgie De Asis with a posthumous award At its luncheon meeting of 28 June 2007 at the Tower Club in Makati, the Club gave a Posthumous Award to the late Past President Leocadio "Edgie" De Asis for his dedication to Rotary and his contribution to the Club. Past Presidents

📖 Balita 2006–07, Nos. 3185–3205 📖 Balita 2006–07, Nos. 3159–3183 🏆 50 plaques and trophies 📚 Manual of Procedure 2007 📚 Tower awards 2007 📚 Tower awards 2006 📚 Tower awards 2007
2007–2008
PresidentBienvenido E. Laguesma
Bienvenido “Benny” E. Laguesma, a lawyer and veteran public servant who served as Labor Secretary, became Manila Rotary’s eighty-eighth president. His term supported 23 heart surgeries in Bohol, medical and sight conservation missions, and therapy services at Hospicio de San Jose. He also turned over Rotaryville homes to 96 families in Taguig, advanced youth leadership initiatives, and earned district recognition for outstanding club leadership.

The Club completed training for 54 medical equipment technicians President Francis Juico's term delivered medical missions to Rizal, Bulacan and Palawan, supported livelihoods in Aurora, and completed the training of 54 medical equipment technicians. Past Presidents
The Club honoured the late PP Edgie De Asis with a posthumous award At its luncheon meeting of 28 June 2007 at the Tower Club in Makati, the Club gave a Posthumous Award to the late Past President Leocadio "Edgie" De Asis for his dedication to Rotary and his contribution to the Club. Past Presidents
Rotaryville townhomes in Taguig were turned over to 96 families On 16 June 2008, with Vice President Noli de Castro as guest of honor, the Club formally inaugurated and turned over the Taguig Rotaryville Family Townhomes, built with Habitat for Humanity Philippines and the Taguig city government. Of 100 units built, four became schoolrooms. Balita No. 3275, page 27
The Club gave President Laguesma its Leon J. Lambert Memorial Award On 3 July 2008 the Club bestowed the Leon J. Lambert Memorial Award for Executive Leadership on Immediate Past President Bienvenido E. Laguesma for his stewardship in RY 2007–2008. Past Presidents

📖 Balita 2007–08, Nos. 3206–3230 📖 Balita 2007–08, Nos. 3231–3253 🏆 49 plaques and trophies 📚 Manual of Procedure 2007 📚 Tower awards 2007 📚 Tower awards 2007
2008–2009
PresidentRomeo B. Batino
Romeo “Romy” B. Batino, a lawyer, labor law specialist, and educator, served as Manila Rotary’s eighty-ninth president. His term donated computers to two Tondo schools, conducted medical missions, and provided ₱100,000 for typhoon recovery in Iloilo. He also supported a proposed water storage project in China, strengthened ties with the Rotary Club of Guam, and secured a 25-year lease for the club’s Ermita office.

Rotaryville townhomes in Taguig were turned over to 96 families On 16 June 2008, with Vice President Noli de Castro as guest of honor, the Club formally inaugurated and turned over the Taguig Rotaryville Family Townhomes, built with Habitat for Humanity Philippines and the Taguig city government. Of 100 units built, four became schoolrooms. Balita No. 3275, page 27
The Club gave President Laguesma its Leon J. Lambert Memorial Award On 3 July 2008 the Club bestowed the Leon J. Lambert Memorial Award for Executive Leadership on Immediate Past President Bienvenido E. Laguesma for his stewardship in RY 2007–2008. Past Presidents
A cleft lip and palate surgical project was reported with Operation Restore Hope At the Club meeting of 23 April 2009, President Romy Batino called for a progress report on the cleft lip and palate project (Matching Grant 65878) with Operation Restore Hope, chaired by PS Ting Angeles with Dr. Tristan de Chalaine as team leader. Balita No. 3317, page 2
The Club celebrated its 90th Anniversary President Romy Batino's message of 4 June 2009 recalled that on 29 January 1919 39 charter members signed the Articles of Incorporation, and on 1 June 1919 Charter No. 478 was granted. The Club also presented a 90th Anniversary plate to Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim. Balita No. 3323, page 3
The Club raised funds for Typhoon Ondoy victims After Tropical Storm Ondoy struck on 26 September 2009, the Board assessed members ₱1,000 each, planned to advance ₱200,000 through the ABS-CBN Foundation (Kapamilya Fund), and set aside another ₱35,000 for a beneficiary to be chosen. Balita No. 3350, page 198

📖 Balita 2008–09, Nos. 3278–3301 📖 Balita 2008–09, Nos. 3254–3277 🏆 35 plaques and trophies

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