Zoilo “Cielito” Lindo of the Rotary Club of Tarlac as the personal representative of then District Governor Cornelio “BALME” Balmaceda, with the assistance of James “Jim” L. Gordon, Perfecto “PECK” C. Isidro and Lucio. The organizational dinner meeting was attended by then District Governor “BALME” Balmaceda, Past District Governor “ART” Ilagan, Fiscal Agent “MARIANITO” Lichauco, and several other Rotarians from the sponsoring Rotary Club of Tarlac. The Rotary Club of Olongapo was admitted into Rotary International on June 24, 1959 with 24 charter members. The late Hon. (x) James L. Gordon, the charter president, served two consecutive terms until June 30, 1961, when he was succeeded by ) Jose “PEPING" Palma, Dr. (x) Ernesto "ERNING" P Nugid was Club President also for two times; he served his first term in RY 1962-1963 and then in RY 1967-68. Aty Pedro "PETE" L. Ela assumed the presidency for Rotary Year 1963-64 allowed by Conrado "CONRAD" Tiu; Dr. Abner "ABE" de Guia, and (x) Francisco FRANK Manalo, in that order. (x) Alfredo "FRED" F. Reyes became President for RY 1968-69 and was succeeded by Dr. (x) Virgilio "VIRGILIO" Afable. Engr. (x) Nestor "NICK" Niguidula served as President for RY 1970-71. A more significant membership growth started during Pres. Virgilio L. Afable's term which brought to a close the turbulent sixties in our club. This internal growth was followed through during the next Rotary Year which started with the induction of the Board headed by Engr. Nestor N. Niguidula on July 4, 1970. At this induction ceremony. the following were the annual awardees. Antonio delos Reyes, Club Service; Mrs. Amelia J. Gordon, Vocational Service, Rtn. Januario E Ela Community Service; and RADM. V. G. Lambert, USN, International Service, Capt R. Mills, USN and Hon. Cesar Miraflor, then member of the Commission on Elections, were adjudged Honorary Rotarians. During RY 1970-71, Pres. (x) Nestor N. Niguidula brought home from District Conference 71 in Baguio the coveted Barredo Award for Membership Growth. Rotary Club of Olongapo bested 47 other clubs in R.IL District 380 in this category. At the District Assembly '71 in Lucena City, the Olongapo delegation headed by incoming Pres. Antonio delos Reyes brought home several trophies awarded by outgoing DG Sabino Santos, including one for the "The Radar as the best club bulletin (mimeographed category) edited by newly joined Rtn. Jess. Edejer who late on won the Outstanding Club Service Award in the RY 1971-72 induction ceremonies. Other awardees were Dr. Severino F. de la Llana for Vocational Service: SIster Mary Pauline, SSC, for Community Service and Capt. R. Mills USN, for International Service. Constitutional Convention Delegate EnriqueJ. Corpuz and Capt. W. Wagner. USN, were selected Honorary Rotarians...and the rest is another history.
