Wiki Category: Asia Pacific

Founded in 2004 in Makati with support from Round Table India, Round Table Philippines (RTPH) began with RT1 Makati and a strong focus on fellowship and service. After a quieter period from 2008 to 2014, the organization was revitalized, leading to renewed growth, major service projects, and expansion with new tables in Mariveles (2018) and Parañaque (2020).

Despite setbacks during the pandemic, a committed core sustained RTPH and rebuilt momentum with international support. This resurgence culminated in the chartering of RT6 Cebu in 2025, with members playing a key role in disaster response following the 2025 Cebu earthquake and Typhoon Kalmaegi, reflecting the organization’s resilience and continued national growth.

History

In 2004, Round Table Philippines was officially chartered in Makati, the financial center of Metro Manila. This marked the birth of Round Table 1 Makati, established by a small group of committed young professionals. The formation was made possible with the strong support and mentorship of Round Table India, helping introduce the Round Table movement to the country.

Antonio “Pako” Francisco Jr. served as the first Chairman of RT1 Makati, laying the foundation for what would become a growing national network of men committed to fellowship, personal development, and community service.

After several years of growth and many service projects, there came a time of lower activity. From 2008 to 2014, RTPH was very loosely organized and less active internationally, although the brothers continued to meet and serve the community through regular service activities.

In 2014, new life came into the organization with Ryan Cruz as Chairman of RT1, taking part in international meetings and focusing on local growth. With this growth came major service projects, including building more than 100 houses after a major typhoon.

During this time of growth, RT2 Mariveles was chartered in 2018 by an active and committed group of expats and locals. Mariveles, located just outside Metro Manila on the other side of Manila Bay, marked the first step in growing beyond the boundaries of the city.

Another highlight was the hosting of the ASPA AGM in Bohol in 2019. Shortly after, RT3 Parañaque was founded in 2020, located in the south of Metro Manila, alongside many national and local service projects for the community. With these new tables, it became possible to establish a proper National Board and structure.

Then the pandemic hit, and the Philippines experienced almost three years of continuous lockdowns. RTPH saw a significant drop in members, as many expats left and others aged out. Still, the organization remained active. In 2023, the ASPA AGM was hosted in Clark City, north of Manila, which was a massive success thanks to a handful of committed members. However, the pandemic had taken its toll—RT2 and RT3 became inactive, and RT1 was reduced to a small group determined not to let it die.

This determination paid off. RT1 slowly grew again, restarted service projects, and committed to regular meetings. With the generous support of the RT International E‑Club, especially under then President Gottfried Lumpi, the club received financial and structural support. This helped refocus limited resources and rebuild the organization together with the remaining committed members. Under RT1 Chairman 2024–2025 Arthuro “Doods” Carballo and RTPH VP 2024–2026 Gian Antonio, the table continued to grow again.

A major milestone came in 2025, when RT5 Cebu was chartered under the continued efforts of RTPH President 2025–2026 Gottfried Lumpi. The group in Cebu truly came together during the challenges of the 2025 Cebu earthquake and the impact of Typhoon Kalmaegi (locally: Tino). Working closely with Ladies Circle and each other, they supported communities under the national relief program. Shortly after, RT5 Cebu was officially founded.

Structure and Age Limit

RTPH is structured into three regions: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, reflecting the general structure of the Philippines. RT1, RT2, and RT3 are located in Luzon, while RT5 is in the Visayas. Mindanao does not yet have a table.
The age range for members is 18 to 45 years.

The National Board consists (at a minimum) of the President, Vice President, IRO, Treasurer, and Secretary. Local table boards consist of a Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer, and Secretary.

This structure also reflects a legal requirement in the Philippines, where both national and local leadership roles exist, but must carry different titles (e.g., President vs. Chairman).

Numbering System

The Philippines is predominantly a Christian country, but has strong cultural influences from neighboring countries. Therefore, certain numbers are traditionally considered unlucky.

The number 4 is avoided due to Chinese cultural influence, while 13 is often considered unlucky in the Christian context. As a result, these numbers are skipped in the table numbering system.

Additionally, table numbers are not reused once assigned. Even if a table becomes inactive, its number is retained so that it can be reassigned if the table is revived in the future.

India, a nation known for its vast diversity, rich heritage, and rapid development, is home to one of the largest and most impactful Round Table associations in the world. Round Table India (RTIN), established in 1962, has grown into a powerhouse within Round Table International, boasting a widespread presence across the country. RTIN is recognized for its large-scale community service initiatives, with a special focus on education and infrastructure development. Its flagship project, “Freedom Through Education,” has led to the construction of thousands of classrooms, providing quality education to underprivileged children across India. With a strong emphasis on fellowship, leadership, and giving back to society, RTIN continues to set new benchmarks in service and camaraderie, making it a cornerstone of the global Round Table movement.

History

The Round Table movement first came to India 1957. John Barton, a resident of Madras, when on home leave joined Hastings Round Table in U.K., which sponsored the Madras Round Table No. 1. This Table was inaugurated on November 14, 1957 by the then Rotary District Governor. The then RTBI President Dr. Peter Bush, chartered the Table in the year 1959. In the meantime, more Tables were started in Calcutta, Bombay and Delhi and the National Association of Round Tables of India with 6 Founder Members was in- augurated on May 5, 1962 at a meeting held in Madras. Tabler Ian Calvert was in the Chair and the WoCo President Dick Miller was present on the occasion. The movement then spread all over the country, though slowly at first.

International Contribution

Personalities

• • RTI WM 2025 Gurgaon, India
  • RTI WM 2012 Hyderabad, India
  • WOCO 1996 Madras, India
  • WOCO 1983 Bombay, India

Badge

The Round Table India Badge shows the Table with twelve spokes in alternate black and white segments and has the distinctive National Emblem of the Ashoka Chakra (this design is that of the wheel which appears on the abacus of the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka and is part of the State Emblem of India) in the center and King Arthur’s head at the top.

The Peacock as shown is the Symbol of the Association.