By Manny Regalado Alcalde
The Rotary Club of Iloilo South emerged as one of the most celebrated awardees during the recently concluded Rotary International District 3850 District Conference 2026 held from May 7–9, 2026, at the Dinggoy Roxas Civic Center in the Roxas City, Capiz.
Under the leadership of Club President Dr. Elsie Locsin, the club received the prestigious “Most Outstanding Club” and “Most Outstanding President” awards in the Medium-Sized Club Category.
The club, likewise, garnered several major recognitions, which included the following:
1) Highest Annual Fund Per Capita Contribution to The Rotary Foundation,
2) 2nd Highest Total Club Giving to The Rotary Foundation,
3) 2nd Highest Individual Giving to TRF by Past Presidents Nilo Jardeleza and Dialita Jardeleza,
4) Community Service Award,
5) Maternal & Child Health Area of Focus Award for the club’s Cervical Cancer Screening Project through its TRF Global Grant-sponsored Mobile Clinic,
6) Family of Rotary Service Award and
7) Exemplary Rotarian Award presented to Past President Eva Jaena.
Furthermore, three distinguished members were also conferred as Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) awardees. They are Dr. Rollin Tabuena a pulmonologist, health care advocate, Dr. Elsie Locsin an obstetrician and noted philantropist and Brenda Briddon.
During the Fellowship Night with a Gatsby-inspired theme, PHF Dr. Rollin Tabuena delighted delegates with a special dance performance to the tune of “Smooth Criminal.”
This energetic presentation, despite limited rehearsal time, earned enthusiastic applause and became one of the highlights of the evening. Officers and members of the Rotary Club Iloilo South expressed gratitude to District Governor Pip Acepcion and the District 3850 leadership team for their guidance and support throughout the Rotary year.
The club also acknowledged its partners in service, benefactors, Rotary leaders, government agencies, private organizations, and family members whose continued support strengthened the club’s humanitarian programs and advocacies.
Special recognition was, likewise, given to Past President Dan Balagtas for his dedication and tireless preparation of the club’s awards bid book. “These recognitions reflect the unwavering commitment of every Rotarian of RC Iloilo South to the ideals of compassion, excellence, and Service Above Self,” the club stated.
SERVICE ABOVE SELF. Dr. Elsie Locsin (6th from left), who leads the Rotary Club of Iloilo South, together with the officers and members of the club pose with dignity and pride after receiving the ‘Most Outstanding Club’ and ‘Most Outstanding President’ awards.
