Manila scores the Philippines' largest-ever event

Rotary International’s 2028 convention will take place in the country for the very first time.

Some 25,000 people from around the world are expected to attend Rotary International 2028 in Manila.
Some 25,000 people from around the world are expected to attend Rotary International 2028 in Manila. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Richie Chan

Manila has scored the winning bid to host Rotary International's convention in 2028, which will see 25,000 people from around the world descend onto the Philippine capital city from 3 to 8 June.

The annual event is held in different cities around the world, and Rotary’s 119th convention is the first to be held in the Philippines. The Tourism Promotion Board, the agency tasked with marketing the Philippine' MICE sector, said the event will be the ‘largest and most multicultural gathering ever hosted in the country’.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said: “We are delighted and honoured to receive the Rotary International’s vote of confidence to host its 119th convention, and we share with the Tourism Promotions Board the excitement of welcoming Rotary’s roster of distinguished members from around the world.”

The winning bid was led by Rotary regional leader, past district governor Samuel Pagdilao Jr. and supported by Rotary clubs in the Philippines. The TPB said various public agencies, including the Department of Tourism and other MICE industry stakeholders also contributed to the successful bid.

Rotary members throughout the world develop and put in place a number of sustainable, community-driven projects that fight disease, promote peace, provide clean water, support education, save mothers and children, grow local economies and protect the environment.