About

Looking back in 1951, there were only a few houses and residents in this barrio of Pamplona, Las Piñas, then a part of the province of Rizal. On the evening of June 24, 1951, a gathering of friends in the small "tienda" of Aling Itay, while enjoying a round of drinks and savoring the cool mountain breeze, they formed a group called the "Samahang 51". Brotherhood, cooperation, and understanding were foremost in their minds. Conscious of the fact that there were needy families in Las Piñas,  driven by the burning desire to help, and coupled with the eagerness to assist the local government in its community projects, they resolved to work hand-in-hand and dedicated themselves to the service of their less-fortunate townmates.

Again, one day of that same month, under the shade of a big mango tree, through laughter, singing, and partaking of Lechon, "talaba" and rice in banana leaves, the group celebrated the birth of a civic organization and elected Moises San Miguel, then a public school teacher of the Las Piñas Elementary School, as their first President. Juan Francisco was likewise elected as their adviser.

And so, without fanfare, the members of the "Samahang 51" went on with their task of helping the needy and the underprivileged. The constitution, rules, and regulations were formulated in that same year. In 1951, the name of the group was changed to Club 51. Since then, membership of the Club grew and the organization became actively involved not only in humanitarian services but also in various community projects such as tree planting, cleanliness, sanitation, and beautification. For the unemployed, jobs were provided and more employment opportunities were opened. The Club put more emphasis on public assistance such as the traditional Christmas gift-giving projects, assistance to victims of national calamities, medical assistance to indigents, and free medical and dental clinics to the depressed areas of the municipality. Members pooled their resources and raised funds to finance the Club's public assistance projects.

In 1971, the Club Cooperative Union was established.  Although it did not last as long as expected, it helped a good number of financially-distressed individuals in the municipality. Even so, while in the service of their fellowmen, members still had their share of merrymaking through the Club's social activities such as Christmas parties, Valentine's, excursions, and the like.

In 1978, the Club was formed as a non-stock, non-profit corporation, to be more effective and responsive to the needs of the growing less-fortunate populace. Since its incorporation, the organization went even further, holding fund-raising activities to support its goals and continue its public assistance programs. It has closely coordinated with the local government on matters pertaining to the good of the public. To date, Club 51, Inc. has the reputation of a dynamic and responsive organization as it manifests the readiness to serve the public, especially those in dire need.

By Vic Salazar on the occasion of the Club’s 69th anniversary and further edited by Joel Ilao last August 2022.