Rotary Club of Iloilo West ushers in new leadership

The Grand Ballroom of Belmont Hotel Iloilo took on a ceremonial glow as Rotarians, civic leaders, and guests gathered for the Rotary Club of Iloilo West’s 34th induction and formal turnover gala, an evening framed by Rotary International’s call to “Create Lasting Impact.”

Beyond the red-carpet welcome and formal setting, the occasion centered on continuity — of leadership, service, and the club’s long-standing commitment to community work.

At the heart of the evening was the induction of the club’s officers for Rotary Year 2026-2027, led by President Marielle Armenta Hembra.

Joining her in the new leadership team were Vice President Clara Ann Marie Saclauso, Secretary Paola Teresa Lera-og, Club Membership Chair Jun Padua Salvador, Club Member Learning Facilitator and Young Leaders Contact Joselito Toledo, Club Founding Chair Dr. Malbar Ferrer, Club Executive Secretary and Director Allan Dumalay, Treasurer Arthur Salem, Club Image Chair Lorna Longno, and Club Service Chair Genevieve Sia-Majewski.

The program also underscored the club’s international ties through the renewal of its sisterhood agreement with the Rotary Club of Ulsan Nambu in South Korea, reinforcing a relationship built on shared civic goals and cross-border fellowship.

Rotary leaders and longtime members moved easily through the ballroom, giving the evening the character of both a formal transition and a reunion of people bound by years of service.

Among the distinguished guests was Rotary International District 3850 Governor Carlos Joseph E. De La Cruz, who returned the focus of the celebration to Rotary’s core mission.

“ Service is the foundation of our organization. We Hope that RCIW’s spirit of serving the humanity remains our guiding principle as Rotarians.”

His message was echoed in the evening’s keynote address by Dr. Ma. Luz M. De Los Reyes, Schools Division Superintendent of the Schools Division Office of Iloilo City, whose presence highlighted the importance of civic partnerships in education and community development.

For Hembra, the induction signaled both an honor and a responsibility as the club enters another year of service.

“It is our will that we lend our hands to least of Our fellowmen. We simply provide our best but expect no material in return. I do wish fellow Rotarianr this evening as I encourage each officers and members to take path towards excellence of our endeavors together..”

That emphasis on service gave the gala its strongest thread.

The evening brought together past presidents, district officers, visiting Rotarians, partners, families, and friends, including representatives of the Rotary Club of Ulsan Nambu, whose presence added an international dimension to the celebration.

Among those seen throughout the event were Immediate Past President Paola Teresa Lera-og, Charter President Malbar Ferrer, Past District Governors Michael Ng, Emma Nava, and Ramon “Toto” Cua Locsin, as well as assistant governors, club presidents, and longtime members from across the district.

The 34th induction gala ultimately served not simply as a change of officers, but as a reaffirmation of the club’s identity.

With a renewed leadership team, enduring partnerships, and service once again placed at the center, the Rotary Club of Iloilo West entered its new year with a clear mandate: turn fellowship into work that lasts.