“Creating Lasting Impact” Through 46 Years of Service Above Self

For forty-six remarkable years, the Rotary Club of Central Pangasinan (RCCP) has stood as a beacon of humanitarian service, fellowship, and leadership in Pangasinan and beyond. Guided by Rotary’s enduring principle of Service Above Self, RCCP continues to transform lives and strengthen communities through meaningful projects, compassionate outreach, and dedicated civic engagement.

 

The roots of RCCP trace back to Rotary Year 1978–1979 when then Incoming District Governor Romeo “Romy” Galang envisioned the establishment of a new Rotary club in Northern Luzon. To bring this vision into reality, PP Rogelio “Roger” Bumanlang of the Rotary Club of Dagupan East (RCDE) was appointed as District Governor’s Special Representative for Northern Luzon. Through the collective efforts of RCDE leaders and committed community leaders, the groundwork for a new Rotary club was laid.

 

Following a series of consultations, recruitment activities, and organizational meetings, the Rotary Club of Central Pangasinan was formally organized on November 15, 1979. Former Congressman Fabian “Paping” Sison was elected as the club’s Charter President, while CPA Florencio “Gabby” Gabrillo served as Charter Secretary. The club was officially admitted to Rotary International on May 9, 1980, and formally celebrated its Charter Presentation and Induction of Officers on July 12, 1980, at Hotel Cadena de Amor in Calasiao, Pangasinan.

 

Since its chartering, RCCP has been home to visionary leaders and dedicated Rotarians who continuously championed projects that uplift communities and inspire positive change. Through the years, the club has produced outstanding presidents and servant-leaders who strengthened the club’s tradition of excellence, integrity, and service.

 

The following served as Presidents of the Rotary Club of Central Pangasinan:

 

Fabian “Paping” Sison (1980–1981)

Mauro “Jun” Calaguio, Jr. (1981–1982)

Benjamin “Benjie” Lim (1982–1983)

Juan “Johnny” Amor (1983–1984)

Liberato “Ope” Reyna, Jr. (1984–1985)

Florencio “Gabby” Gabrillo (1985–1986)

Pompeyo “Pompey” Manganaan (1986–1987)

Bernardino “Ben” Datuin, Jr. (1987–1988)

Dr. Carlito “Carl” Arenas (1988–1989)

Dr. Efren Manganaan (1989–1990)

Jose “Joe” Caragan (1990–1991)

Jorge “George” Estrada (1991–1992)

Florentino “Flor” Cuison (1992–1993)

Rodrigo “Rudy” Antipuesto (1993–1994)

Jose “Pepe” Sanchez (1994–1995)

Ramon “Mon” Reyna (1995–1996)

Primus “Prime” Singson (1996–1997)

Elmer Concepcion (1997–1998)

Lorenzo “Owens” Torres (1998–1999)

Philip Fernandez (1999–2000)

Albert Delfin (2000–2001)

Carmelita “Mely” Alfonso (2001–2002)

Camilo “Milo” Siapno (2002–2003)

Meliton “Lito” Cabugao (2003–2004)

Benjamin “Ben” Fernandez (2004–2005)

Ruben “RJ” Jose (2005–2006)

Nathaniel “Nats” Alipio (2006–2007)

Derek Roy Hughes (2007–2008)

Thelma Arenas (2008–2009)

Ashok Vasandani (2009–2010)

Remedios “Remy” Sapiera (2010–2011)

Andy Sy (2011–2012)

Melody “Odhie” Padilla (2012–2013)

Roehl de Castro (2013–2014)

Sandeep “Sam” Kumar (2014–2015)

Fredirick “Eric” Maala (2015–2016)

Ray Siapno (2016–2017)

Juanito “Johnny” Rosario (2017–2018)

Ray Siapno (2018–2019)

Nathaniel “Nats” Alipio (2019–2020)

Mini Jacquiline “Kelen” Rovillos (2020–2021)

Vidya Dasi Mesina (2021–2022)

Rommel “Mel” Baquiran (2022–2023 and 2023–2024)

Remegio “Mike” Villamor (2024–2025)

Dr. Feliciano V. “Boyet” Bautista, Jr. (2025–2026)

 

RCCP likewise etched its name in Rotary history by becoming the first Rotary club in Area 2 of Pangasinan to admit women into membership during the presidency of PP Jorge “George” Estrada. This milestone reflected the club’s progressive spirit and commitment to inclusivity. It was also during his presidency that RCCP hosted the District Rotary Village Corps Conference in Dagupan City.

 

Another proud moment in the club’s history came during the presidency of PP Liberato “Ope” Reyna, Jr. when RCCP was adjudged the Most Outstanding Rotary Club in the District. The club also celebrated another historic achievement with the election of CPA-lawyer Carmelita “Mely” Alfonso as its first female president — a testament to RCCP’s culture of leadership and empowerment.

 

Over the decades, RCCP has remained steadfast in responding to the needs of the times — from community development projects and medical missions to youth empowerment, educational assistance, environmental programs, disaster response initiatives, and humanitarian activities that directly improve lives. Through every challenge and opportunity, RCCP has consistently embodied Rotary’s mission of creating hope and meaningful change in society.

 

Now on its 46th year, the Rotary Club of Central Pangasinan proudly embraces the Rotary theme of “Create Lasting Impact.” More than a theme, it is a continuing commitment to build sustainable programs, inspire future leaders, strengthen partnerships, and leave a legacy of service that will endure for generations to come.

 

Under the leadership of incumbent President Dr. Feliciano V. “Boyet” Bautista, Jr. for Rotary Year 2025 – 2026, RCCP continues to move forward with renewed passion and purpose. Guided by the wisdom of the club’s past leaders and the dedication of its members, RCCP remains committed to making a difference — one project, one community, and one life at a time.

 

As RCCP celebrates forty-six years of Rotary service, it honors not only its proud history but also the countless lives touched through compassion, fellowship, and service. With hearts united in service and eyes fixed on the future, the Rotary Club of Central Pangasinan continues its mission of truly Creating Lasting Impact.