Rotary International

The first Rotary Club in the world was organized in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A., on 23 February 1905 by Paul P. Harris, a young lawyer, who gathered together in a spirit of friendship and understanding a group of men, each of whom was engaged in a different form of service to the public. That basis of membership - one man from each business and profession in the community - still exists in Rotary. At first, the members of the new club met in rotation at various places of business of the members and this suggested the name "Rotary". Since 1905, the ideas of Paul Harris and his friends have become ideals which have been accepted by men of practically all nationalities and of many political and religious beliefs. Today there are Rotary clubs in Austria and American Samoa, in Brazil and Brunei, in India and Italy, in Scotland and South Africa - in some 172 countries and geographical regions. The universal acceptance of Rotary principles has been so great that as of June 1994 there are some 26,850 Rotary clubs, which have membership of 1,187,500. The Philippines itself is divided into nine separate districts with a total of 537 Rotary clubs and 17,011 Rotarians. The general objectives of Rotary clubs in every country are the same - the development of fellowship and understanding among the business and professional men in the community, the promotion of community betterment endeavors, and of high standards in business and professional practices, and the advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace. Rotary clubs everywhere have one basic ideal - the "Ideal of Service", which is thoughtfulness of and helpfulness to others. 

OBJECTIVES 

To encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:

1. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
   
   
2. High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying by each Rotarian of his occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
   
   
3. The application of the ideal of service by every Rotarian to his personal, business and community life;
   
   
4. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional men united in the ideal of service.

Rotary in the Philippines

Preliminary steps were first made to organize the Club in the Philippines in January 1919 through the interest and agreement of Leon J. Lambert. In June 1919, the Charter No. 478 authorized the Rotary Club of Manila (RCM) to operate as a formal organization under Rotary International.

The Rotary Club of Manila was both the first Rotary Club in the Philippines and the first in Asia under the direct supervision of the International Association of Rotary Clubs (now Rotary International).

The Club went on to organize its daughter clubs, the Rotary Club of Cebu in 1932 and the Rotary Club of Iloilo in 1933. Rotary Club of Bacolod and Baguio were also established later on. The Rotary Club of Manila was also responsible for organizing the Rotary Club of Guam as its first overseas daughter Club in 1939, through the efforts of then R.I. Vice President Carlos P. Romulo.

During World War II meetings of its members were only held if circumstances allowed. This period lasted from May 1942 until it was reorganized in 1945. Many other Rotary Clubs were subsequently established in the Philippines.

There are now over 800 Rotary Clubs in the Philippines, and their members are among the most active when it comes to serving the Filipino community and helping those in need.

Community Services

The Rotary Club of the Philippines has been a source of support to other community service projects. It holds medical and surgical services in the indigenous communities to serve the needy and also offers scholarships to deserving students.

Follow the links below to learn more about Rotary and how you can join your local Rotary club.