Retrenched employees receive retrenchment package on 1 October
Retrenched employees receive retrenchment package on 1 October
Retrenched employees receive retrenchment package on 1 October
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
One heart, <strong>on</strong>e spirit, <strong>on</strong>e family<br />
OCTOBER 2002<br />
what’s inside<br />
2 C<strong>on</strong>gressi<strong>on</strong>al committee visit<br />
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○<br />
○<br />
3 IFSA scholars<br />
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○<br />
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○<br />
6 CIE begins activities<br />
○ ○ ○ ○<br />
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○<br />
7 Clean-up in Los Baños<br />
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○<br />
Published by the Internati<strong>on</strong>al Rice Research Institute sandiwa@irri.cgiar.org www.irri.org/vis/sandiwa/sandiwa.htm<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Retrenched</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>employees</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>receive</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>retrenchment</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>package</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong> 1 <strong>October</strong><br />
Staff included in the NRS Retrenchment Program 2002 got their checks representing<br />
their retirement and <str<strong>on</strong>g>retrenchment</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>package</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong> 1 <strong>October</strong>. Eight of the<br />
173 NRS were from the IRRI Office in Thailand.<br />
The payment of the <str<strong>on</strong>g>retrenchment</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>package</str<strong>on</strong>g>s was supervised and coordinated<br />
by the Human Resources Services-Nati<strong>on</strong>ally<br />
Recruited Staff (HRS-<br />
NRS) and Finance.<br />
DG R<strong>on</strong> Cantrell, DDGP Dr.<br />
William G. Padolina, DAHR Director Ian<br />
Wallace, Treasury Manager Lisa Panes,<br />
HRS-NRS Manager Fe Aglipay, and Atty.<br />
Walfrido Gloria were also present during<br />
this process, as HRS-ER and CIE representatives<br />
Also present were a notary public<br />
and three representatives from the<br />
Employment Promoti<strong>on</strong> Divisi<strong>on</strong> of the<br />
Department of Labor and Employment,<br />
namely, Lirio Malabanan, Vicky<br />
Natanauan, and Joji Arce Buche.<br />
Ms. Malabanan told Sandiwa that<br />
she learned that 30 of the retrenched<br />
staff have sought reemployment elsewhere,<br />
while 26 others indicated putting<br />
up their own businesses.<br />
to page 8 . . .<br />
Finance pers<strong>on</strong>nel<br />
(left) assist in the<br />
issuance of<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>retrenchment</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>package</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
claims. Mar Movilli<strong>on</strong>,<br />
former Visitors<br />
Manager smiles as he<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>receive</str<strong>on</strong>g>s his check.<br />
HRS-ER, CIE<br />
implement programs<br />
for retrenched staff<br />
S<br />
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○<br />
○<br />
tarting in July this year, the Human<br />
Resources Services-Nati<strong>on</strong>ally<br />
Recruited Staff (HRS-NRS) and Employee<br />
Relati<strong>on</strong>s (HRS-ER), and the Council of<br />
IRRI Employees (CIE) implemented<br />
several major assistance programs to<br />
help transiti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>employees</str<strong>on</strong>g> covered by<br />
the NRS Retrenchment Program 2002.<br />
These interventi<strong>on</strong>s were broken<br />
down into three phases: Phase 1 was <strong>on</strong><br />
Managing Life/Career Transiti<strong>on</strong>s—<br />
Looking Within; Phase 2 was Looking at<br />
Opti<strong>on</strong>s and included training <strong>on</strong><br />
outplacement opportunities, how to do<br />
c<strong>on</strong>sulting work, entrepreneurship, how<br />
to page 9 . . .<br />
<strong>October</strong> 2002 1
C<strong>on</strong>gressi<strong>on</strong>al committee visits IRRI<br />
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○<br />
○<br />
The Philippine government’s efforts in ensuring future food sustainability are<br />
being hampered by runaway populati<strong>on</strong> growth. Despite the presence of the<br />
Internati<strong>on</strong>al Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Baños, Laguna, the country c<strong>on</strong>tinues<br />
to import rice.<br />
BY MERCY SOMBILLA, SSD<br />
R<br />
○ ○<br />
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○<br />
ice producti<strong>on</strong> in the Philippines has actually grown from about 4 milli<strong>on</strong> metric t<strong>on</strong>s in the early 1960s to about 10.5 milli<strong>on</strong><br />
metric t<strong>on</strong>s in the late 1990s. Yield increases account for most of the growth as area cultivated almost remained c<strong>on</strong>stant at<br />
around 3.5 milli<strong>on</strong> hectares. The current yield level averages about 3.0 t<strong>on</strong>s per hectare (up from the 1.2 t<strong>on</strong>s per hectare 30 years<br />
ago). The yield level is relatively high compared with other Asian countries—higher than Thailand (2.2 t<strong>on</strong>s per hectare), almost<br />
the same as in India and Myanmar (2.9 t<strong>on</strong>s per hectare), and almost close to that of Vietnam (3.5 t<strong>on</strong>s per hectare).<br />
Why is the Philippines importing<br />
then when its neighboring countries<br />
are exporting?<br />
1. Philippine populati<strong>on</strong> growth<br />
rate has remained; other<br />
countries have reduced their<br />
populati<strong>on</strong> growth rates by<br />
almost 50%.<br />
2. Rice per capita c<strong>on</strong>sumpti<strong>on</strong> in<br />
the Philippines is still increasing<br />
while other countries like<br />
Thailand have shown declining<br />
trend in per capita c<strong>on</strong>sumpti<strong>on</strong><br />
of the commodity.<br />
As a result of 1 and 2, rice demand<br />
c<strong>on</strong>tinues to be str<strong>on</strong>g.<br />
3. Area cultivated to rice in<br />
Why the Philippines imports rice<br />
Thailand is more than two times<br />
that of the Philippines (9 milli<strong>on</strong><br />
hectares compared with 4<br />
milli<strong>on</strong> hectares) and in Vietnam<br />
almost 2 times (7 milli<strong>on</strong><br />
hectares).<br />
4. Likewise, Philippine rice yield<br />
grew <strong>on</strong>ly at an average rate of<br />
1.84% per year in the last<br />
decade. Rice yield in Thailand<br />
and Vietnam grew at 2.75% per<br />
annum and 5.36% per annum,<br />
respectively during the same<br />
period.<br />
5. The slower rice productivity<br />
growth comes from slower rates<br />
of input use. Growth in fertilizer<br />
These were the two main issues<br />
discussed when members of the Philippines<br />
House of Representatives Committee<br />
<strong>on</strong> Agriculture, Food, and Fisheries<br />
led by its Chair, the H<strong>on</strong>. Alfredo<br />
Marañ<strong>on</strong>, visited IRRI <strong>on</strong> 5 September.<br />
H<strong>on</strong>orables Herminio G. Teves,<br />
Angelo O. M<strong>on</strong>tilla, Arthur Y. Pingoy, Jr.,<br />
Ernie Dulalas Clarete, Carmen L. Cari,<br />
Perpetuo B. Ylagan, and Belma A.<br />
Cabilao accompanied C<strong>on</strong>gressman<br />
Marañ<strong>on</strong> during the visit.<br />
The Director General, Dr. R<strong>on</strong>ald P.<br />
Cantrell, together with the Deputy<br />
Director General for Research, Dr. Ren<br />
Wang, welcomed and briefed the c<strong>on</strong>gressi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
committee <strong>on</strong> current research<br />
activities.<br />
The committee also viewed the<br />
documentary Filling the World’s Rice Bowl<br />
and visited the Riceworld Museum and<br />
Learning Center and the Internati<strong>on</strong>al Rice<br />
Genebank as part of their briefing. A<br />
lunch with Dr. Cantrell, Dr. Wang, and<br />
Atty. Walfrido Gloria capped the c<strong>on</strong>gressi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
committee’s visit to IRRI.<br />
use is slowest—2.68% per<br />
annum in 1987-96; compared<br />
with Vietnam at 14.64% per<br />
annum, Thailand at 14.64% per<br />
annum, India at 4.01% per<br />
annum, Bangladesh at 5.45%<br />
per annum.<br />
6. Underinvestment in l<strong>on</strong>g-term<br />
productivity enhancing programs<br />
and projects including<br />
those for research and development<br />
and for irrigati<strong>on</strong>. Public<br />
expenditures for R&D represent<br />
<strong>on</strong>ly 0.4% of gross value added<br />
in agriculture in c<strong>on</strong>trast to an<br />
to page 8 . . .<br />
2 <strong>October</strong> 2002
IFSA announces scholars<br />
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○<br />
J. Hernandez C. Lanwang J. Mendoza P. Panopio<br />
The IRRI Filipino Scientists Associati<strong>on</strong> (IFSA) announced the names of five<br />
collegiate and eight high school scholarship grantees studying this year in various<br />
schools in Los Baños, Laguna.<br />
Joan R. Hernandez, BS Chemical<br />
Engineering; Roderica Calibo, BS<br />
Agriculture (Business Management);<br />
Perlie A. Panopio, BS Civil Engineering;<br />
Jaypee Mendoza, BS Development<br />
Communicati<strong>on</strong>; and Cherry V.<br />
Lanwang, BS Agriculture are the IFSA<br />
scholars studying at the University of the<br />
Philippines Los Baños.<br />
In her message to IFSA Miss<br />
Hernandez said, “Being an IFSA scholar<br />
is such an h<strong>on</strong>or and a privilege. I am<br />
so grateful because of all the students<br />
aspiring to be grantees, I was given the<br />
chance to prove my worth. With that, I<br />
am more motivated and inspired to<br />
excel in my chosen field of endeavor. I<br />
hope that your instituti<strong>on</strong> would<br />
c<strong>on</strong>tinue supporting more deserving<br />
students in fulfilling their goals because<br />
they will serve as a str<strong>on</strong>g foundati<strong>on</strong> of<br />
our nati<strong>on</strong>.”<br />
“Scholarships like these really help<br />
students like me and our families, not<br />
<strong>on</strong>ly financially but also academically.<br />
This scholarship is a great motivati<strong>on</strong> in<br />
my studies to do my best and to get<br />
higher grades.<br />
“But motivati<strong>on</strong> is not the <strong>on</strong>ly<br />
thing that this scholarship brings to my<br />
life. It also helps develop discipline and<br />
a sense of resp<strong>on</strong>sibility that will help<br />
make me become a better pers<strong>on</strong>. Being<br />
<strong>on</strong>e of the scholars of IFSA is not<br />
something to brag about. It is an<br />
opportunity and something to be proud<br />
of,” Miss Panopio told Sandiwa.<br />
“You’re great! This scholarship is<br />
indeed a great help for a student like<br />
me. It also serves as an incentive to<br />
study hard and be patient. You make<br />
me happy because of the financial<br />
support. Thank you very much,” Miss<br />
Lanwang told IFSA.<br />
Mr. Mendoza said, “Being a scholar<br />
of IFSA is an achievement in itself. The<br />
scholarship challenges and inspires me<br />
to do well in my studies. IFSA does not<br />
<strong>on</strong>ly help me financially but also in<br />
other aspects of my life.”<br />
The IFSA scholars in the high<br />
school level are the following:<br />
Rodney De Chavez, Ma. Cheriza de<br />
Mesa, July Lyn Diz<strong>on</strong>, Patria Berea<br />
Laungayan, Karen Lapitan, and Ailyn<br />
Malabayabas, all of the Los Baños<br />
Nati<strong>on</strong>al High School. Neil Angeles and<br />
Rizza G<strong>on</strong>zaga study at the Liceo de Los<br />
Baños.<br />
Most of the scholars are children of<br />
IRRI <str<strong>on</strong>g>employees</str<strong>on</strong>g>. Aside from its own<br />
financial resources, IFSA gets its scholarship<br />
funds from the memorial funds of<br />
the late IRRI scientists Pablo Vicencio,<br />
John Leece, and K.C. Ling as well as<br />
from former IRRI scientists T.T. Chang<br />
and S. Bhuiyan.<br />
To qualify for a college scholarship,<br />
an applicant must be a dependent of an<br />
IRRI employee, academically promising,<br />
to page 5 . . .<br />
IFSA h<strong>on</strong>ors departing members<br />
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○<br />
IFSA, the IRRI Filipino Scientists Associati<strong>on</strong>, held a fellowship <strong>on</strong> 4 September for<br />
IFSAns leaving at the end of the m<strong>on</strong>th as a result of the Institute’s <strong>on</strong>going<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>retrenchment</str<strong>on</strong>g> program. With the theme Moving <strong>on</strong>, the activity promoted camaraderie<br />
and fellowship through group dynamics, singing, distributi<strong>on</strong> of the IFSA pins, and<br />
messages delivered by senior IFSAns, h<strong>on</strong>orary member Dr. Ren Wang, and IFSA<br />
President Jojo Lapitan. The forum also recognized the various IFSA scholars, c<strong>on</strong>sisting<br />
of high school and college students enrolled in several schools in Laguna.<br />
. . . to page 6<br />
<strong>October</strong> 2002 3
IRRI recognizes BHWs<br />
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○<br />
Informati<strong>on</strong> Services Manger Sylvia Inci<strong>on</strong>g reads the citati<strong>on</strong> of the Certificate of<br />
Appreciati<strong>on</strong>. From left: Dr. Padolina, VIS Head Duncan Macintosh, and Community<br />
Projects Officer Lito Plat<strong>on</strong>.<br />
IRRI recognized the work and valuable assistance of 11 barangay health workers<br />
(BHWs) from Bay, Laguna to the m<strong>on</strong>thly medical missi<strong>on</strong>s of the IRRI Community<br />
Projects.<br />
To date, a total of 21 medical<br />
missi<strong>on</strong>s have been c<strong>on</strong>ducted in 15<br />
barangays in Bay since 17 May 2001.<br />
These are barangays Tuntungin, Paciano<br />
Rizal, Sta. Cruz, Tranca, Masaya, Puypuy,<br />
Calo, Maitim, San Agustin, San Nicolas,<br />
Dila, San Ant<strong>on</strong>io, San Isidro,<br />
Tagumpay, and Sto. Domingo. The VIS<br />
implements the medical missi<strong>on</strong>s under<br />
the IRRI Community Projects.<br />
IRRI presented certificates of<br />
appreciati<strong>on</strong> to the BHWs <strong>on</strong> 6 September<br />
during a lunche<strong>on</strong> at the Harrar Hall<br />
Executive Dining Room tendered in<br />
their h<strong>on</strong>or.<br />
The BHWs were Marivic B. Bri<strong>on</strong>es<br />
and Glecy Cariaga of Paciano Rizal;<br />
Natalia H. Perez of Puypuy; Yolanda B.<br />
Belda, Aurea M. Mercado, and Violeta S.<br />
Gapan of Tranca; and Merlita G.<br />
Robiños and Nery G. Ortiz of Masaya.<br />
Dr. Willy Padolina welcomed the<br />
h<strong>on</strong>orees at the lunche<strong>on</strong>, with VIS<br />
Head Duancan Macintosh, Sylvia<br />
Inci<strong>on</strong>g, Lito Plat<strong>on</strong>, Safety Nurse Cris<br />
Dawinan, Dr. Licinius G<strong>on</strong>zales, and<br />
Glenn Enriquez.<br />
Two IRRI staff members complete distance<br />
educati<strong>on</strong> course<br />
T<br />
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○<br />
eresita V. Rola, associate science editor at CPS, and Marietta D. Nadal, program<br />
coordinator at PBGB, have completed their Master of Professi<strong>on</strong>al Studies<br />
(development communicati<strong>on</strong>) and Master of Public Management, respectively, under<br />
the distance-learning program of the UP Open University in Los Baños. Ms. Rola was<br />
an IRRI scholar under the Professi<strong>on</strong>al Growth Committee.<br />
T. Rola M. Nadal<br />
New director for<br />
finance joins IRRI<br />
M<br />
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○<br />
r. Kwame Akuffo-Akoto joined<br />
IRRI <strong>on</strong> 2 September as the<br />
Institute’s new treasurer and director for<br />
finance. His visi<strong>on</strong> for IRRI is to be able<br />
to have a balanced budget as so<strong>on</strong> as<br />
possible. A financially stable organizati<strong>on</strong><br />
can do so many things and that’s<br />
why he wants financial prudence for<br />
IRRI. “To achieve this visi<strong>on</strong>, I have<br />
three general principles: revenue<br />
enhancement; expenditure planning,<br />
c<strong>on</strong>trol, and reducti<strong>on</strong>; and efficient use<br />
of resources,” he says.<br />
Kwame c<strong>on</strong>siders d<strong>on</strong>or apathy<br />
regarding agricultural research as <strong>on</strong>e of<br />
IRRI’s great challenges. “D<strong>on</strong>or support<br />
is going down and it’s very difficult to<br />
get d<strong>on</strong>ors with all the competiti<strong>on</strong> from<br />
other centers and causes”, he says.<br />
Another big challenge for him is how to<br />
c<strong>on</strong>vince staff and partners to change<br />
their mindsets and attitudes. “We have to<br />
let staff know that things have changed.<br />
We all have to adjust our thinking<br />
because we are now in a totally different<br />
ballgame. It is not business as<br />
usual.”<br />
Being with ICRISAT for 6 years, he<br />
notes some significant differences<br />
between the two centers. “IRRI is not as<br />
diffused, in terms of having offices<br />
spread out geographically,” he says.<br />
ICRISAT has five crops, IRRI has <strong>on</strong>e,<br />
and ICRISAT’s budget is not as large as<br />
IRRI’s.”<br />
The new finance director is very<br />
eager to get things started. “I look<br />
forward to this job,” he says enthusiasti<br />
4 <strong>October</strong> 2002
Tom Mew wins Friendship Prize 2002<br />
EPPD Head Tom Mew has w<strong>on</strong> the Friendship<br />
Prize 2002 awarded by the Jiangsu<br />
Provincial Government for his c<strong>on</strong>tributi<strong>on</strong><br />
to rice protecti<strong>on</strong> and producti<strong>on</strong> in China.<br />
The prize is exclusively awarded to foreign<br />
experts outside China. Dr. Mew has been<br />
invited to <str<strong>on</strong>g>receive</str<strong>on</strong>g> his award <strong>on</strong> 20 <strong>October</strong><br />
in Jiangsu.<br />
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○<br />
G.S. Khush is recipient of<br />
S<strong>on</strong> of Laguna award<br />
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○<br />
Former IRRI principal plant breeder Gurdev S. Khush (left in<br />
photo) was recently named an adopted and distinguished<br />
s<strong>on</strong> of the Province of Laguna. The award was given in recogniti<strong>on</strong><br />
of his exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment<br />
in the realizati<strong>on</strong> of IRRI’s rice breeding program, which led to<br />
his outstanding c<strong>on</strong>tributi<strong>on</strong> for revoluti<strong>on</strong>izing the rice producti<strong>on</strong><br />
system that has served and supported humanity. Laguna<br />
Governor Teresita Lazaro (center in photo), al<strong>on</strong>g with officers<br />
of the Laguna provincial government, presented the award to<br />
Dr. Khush <strong>on</strong> 9 September in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.<br />
. . . Scholars from page 3<br />
financially in need, a student of the University of the Philippines<br />
System or an educati<strong>on</strong>al instituti<strong>on</strong> of equivalent<br />
standing, and of good moral character. The same criteria apply<br />
to high school applicants under the IFSA and T.T. Chang<br />
Scholarship except that students may enroll outside of the UP<br />
System.<br />
Under the S. Bhuiyan Scholarship, the high school entrant<br />
must not be a recipient of any scholarship, with an average<br />
academic standing or better in the elementary, a resident of<br />
Los Baños, parents not employed at IRRI, have no steady<br />
income, and bel<strong>on</strong>g to the lowest income group in the community.<br />
Thomas George awarded Digital<br />
Visi<strong>on</strong> Fellowship<br />
at Stanford University<br />
U<br />
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○<br />
sing informati<strong>on</strong> and communicati<strong>on</strong> technology (ICT) for<br />
rural empowerment and entrepreneurship” is the missi<strong>on</strong><br />
Dr. Thomas George is accepting at Stanford University as a 2002-<br />
2003 Reuters Digital Visi<strong>on</strong> Fellow. With support from a Silic<strong>on</strong><br />
Valley entrepreneur, Dr. George will be developing ICT soluti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
for the “last mile” of facilitating <strong>on</strong>e-<strong>on</strong>-<strong>on</strong>e c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong>s of rural<br />
farmer customers with suppliers of locally relevant knowledge,<br />
technologies, and services, as well as with market-makers.<br />
Dr. George’s venture in Silic<strong>on</strong> Valley comes after 15 years<br />
of experience in research and technology transfer in agriculture.<br />
Previously, he was an agr<strong>on</strong>omist and project team leader at<br />
IRRI as a sec<strong>on</strong>ded scientist from the University of Hawaii’s<br />
Nitrogen Fixati<strong>on</strong> and Tropical Agricultural Legumes (NifTAL)<br />
Center. At IRRI, he led research addressing productivity in<br />
rainfed lowlands and fragile uplands of Asia and managed<br />
several projects with the nati<strong>on</strong>al agricultural research and<br />
extensi<strong>on</strong> systems (NARES) partners. Most notable am<strong>on</strong>g his<br />
c<strong>on</strong>tributi<strong>on</strong>s is the advancement of high-yielding rice producti<strong>on</strong><br />
<strong>on</strong> aerobic soil, now launched as the new ‘aerobic rice’<br />
project at IRRI.<br />
Dr. George’s shift into ICT for development is partly due to<br />
the realizati<strong>on</strong> that little of the potentially useful knowledgebased<br />
technologies generated from agricultural R&D actually<br />
reach resource-poor farmers. He notes that while farmers<br />
manage to gain access to seed- and machine-based technologies,<br />
it is not generally the case with knowledge-based technologies.<br />
“The real power of ICT in rural development is in its ability<br />
to directly c<strong>on</strong>nect people so that they can<br />
carry out a mutually gainful exchange<br />
without inefficient, or sometimes exploitative,<br />
middlepers<strong>on</strong>s,” he said. Thus, his<br />
focus will be <strong>on</strong> making ICT accessible,<br />
n<strong>on</strong>-intimidating, useful, and a means to<br />
empower people.<br />
The scholars are given stipends for the whole course or<br />
program: P2,000 for high school scholars per year and P2,500<br />
for college scholars per semester.<br />
“They have to maintain their average grades at 85% and<br />
2.00 for high school and college scholars, respectively. They<br />
are required to submit a copy of their grades at the end of the<br />
school year (high school scholars) or semester (college<br />
scholars) to the IFSA scholarship committee for them to get<br />
their stipends for the next school year/semester,” the IFSA<br />
Scholarship Committee said.<br />
Marianne Sams<strong>on</strong> of CSWS was the head of IFSA’s Scholarship<br />
Committee, with Serafin Amarante of CSWS and Darlene<br />
Sanchez of PBGB as members.<br />
<strong>October</strong> 2002 5
Philippine charter of ACE begins activities<br />
At its internati<strong>on</strong>al meeting in Savannah, Georgia, in August, the Agricultural Communicators in Educati<strong>on</strong> (ACE) approved the<br />
admissi<strong>on</strong> of the Philippines as a Charter Country of the organizati<strong>on</strong>. ACE is a professi<strong>on</strong>al communicators associati<strong>on</strong> with<br />
more than 800 members worldwide and charter recogniti<strong>on</strong> of a developing country allows communicators in that country to have<br />
affiliate membership. Last m<strong>on</strong>th, Gene Hettel, ACE internati<strong>on</strong>al director, presented the Philippine Charter Certificate (which lists<br />
the names of 52 founding affiliate members) to Ariel Javellana of IRRI, the affiliate group’s charter representative.<br />
Some of the other founding affiliate<br />
members present for the cerem<strong>on</strong>y<br />
included, from left, Katherine Lopez,<br />
Tess Rola, Manny Panisales, and Boopy<br />
Cardenas from IRRI; Madeline Suva and<br />
Ma. Rovilla Sudaprasert from the College<br />
of Development Communicati<strong>on</strong>s,<br />
UPLB; and from right, Arlene Garcia-<br />
Blanco and Joel Santiago from the<br />
Forest Products Research and Develop-<br />
. . . IFSA from page 1<br />
In his special message, Dr. Ren<br />
Wang, who was granted h<strong>on</strong>orary<br />
membership in IFSA, marveled at the<br />
Filipino’s resiliency in times of difficulty,<br />
and the IFSAn’s ability to be positive<br />
during this time of stress and organizati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
change. He cited the need for the<br />
organizati<strong>on</strong> to change and evolve as a<br />
result of internal and external pressures,<br />
and challenged the members to improve<br />
and learn from these changes. He also<br />
reminded members to treasure the<br />
golden moments of the organizati<strong>on</strong>. “I<br />
am c<strong>on</strong>fident that IRRI will resume its<br />
activities and energy, and move <strong>on</strong> to<br />
form what the DG calls ‘Team IRRI’”.<br />
ment Institute (FPRDI); Arlene Obmerga<br />
and Eileen Card<strong>on</strong>a from the Philippine<br />
Council for Agriculture, Forestry, and<br />
Natural Resources Research and Development<br />
(PCARRD); and Alicia Rillo,<br />
Benefa Dayao, and Marilanie Lanuzo<br />
from the Southeast Asian Regi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
Center for Graduate Study and Research<br />
in Agriculture (SEARCA). Other organizati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
currently with affiliate members<br />
The fellowship was attended by<br />
some 93 IFSAns and guests, including<br />
scholars, their parents, and friends.<br />
According to Jojo Lapitan, despite the<br />
difficult times IRRI is in, including the<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>retrenchment</str<strong>on</strong>g> of a number of IFSAns, it<br />
is the board’s resp<strong>on</strong>sibility to provide<br />
avenues for members to enhance<br />
fellowship. “This is a time of challenge<br />
for the organizati<strong>on</strong>, and we will<br />
c<strong>on</strong>tinue to cater to the needs of the<br />
members, and promote activities that<br />
further the cause of the IRRI researcher.”<br />
He also cited the IFSA scholarship<br />
program, which has benefited young<br />
and deserving students through the<br />
sp<strong>on</strong>sorship of generous individuals,<br />
in the Philippine ACE charter group<br />
include the Asian Development Bank,<br />
ICLARM, the Internati<strong>on</strong>al Institute for<br />
Rural Rec<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> (IIRR), Partnerships<br />
in Envir<strong>on</strong>mental Management for the<br />
Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA), and<br />
PhilRice.<br />
The group is planning to hold an<br />
organizati<strong>on</strong>al meeting in early December.<br />
and other IFSA activities.<br />
In the various messages delivered<br />
by senior IFSAns, the single-minded<br />
reminder was to move <strong>on</strong>. Eves Loresto<br />
(formerly of GRC, who retired 2 years<br />
ago), in a message read by Normitz<br />
dela Cruz of PBGB, enjoined the IFSAns<br />
to “burn the bridges of disappointment”<br />
and move <strong>on</strong>. Glenn Gregorio likewise<br />
motivated the members to move<br />
forward and not waddle in the past.<br />
Mar Movill<strong>on</strong> encouraged the members<br />
to imbibe the characteristics of an<br />
IFSAn: having Integrity, being Forwardlooking,<br />
having Soulfulness or the<br />
c<strong>on</strong>victi<strong>on</strong> and spirit, and having the<br />
right Attitude.<br />
6 <strong>October</strong> 2002
I<br />
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○<br />
RRI, as a leading member of the Los Baños Science Community (LBSC), participated in the clean-up activities in Barangay Bayog<br />
in Los Baños <strong>on</strong> 14 September.<br />
The cleanup activities<br />
were held in 14<br />
barangays throughout<br />
the Science and<br />
Nature City of Los<br />
Baños as the municipal<br />
government celebrated in advance<br />
the United Nati<strong>on</strong>s Envir<strong>on</strong>ment<br />
Programme-backed 2002 Clean Up the<br />
World.<br />
Clean Up the World is the biggest<br />
community-based envir<strong>on</strong>ment project<br />
in the world that began in 1993 as an<br />
offshoot of the Clean Up Australia Day<br />
in 1989 started by Australian builder and<br />
solo yachtsman, Ian Kiernan. This year,<br />
reports indicated that over 30 milli<strong>on</strong><br />
people from 120 countries participated<br />
in this activity <strong>on</strong> 20-22 September<br />
inspired by the theme “Your Community,<br />
Our Earth.” Activities ranged from<br />
festival celebrati<strong>on</strong>s in Asia, to huge<br />
waterway clean ups in the Middle East<br />
and Central America.<br />
The clean-up activities in Los Baños<br />
also ushered in the 387 th foundati<strong>on</strong><br />
anniversary of the municipality <strong>on</strong> 17<br />
September and the first Bañamos<br />
Festival (a shower of w<strong>on</strong>ders) <strong>on</strong> 17-21<br />
September. Bañamos, a Spanish word<br />
which means to take a bath or shower,<br />
comes from the stem word of the town’s<br />
name, Los Baños.<br />
IRRI as an LBSC member adopted<br />
Barangay Bayog last year to assist in its<br />
solid waste management program and<br />
in various training activities. During the<br />
cleanup, Arnold Manza, Jose Manuel,<br />
and Roger Bargola, all of the Experiment<br />
Stati<strong>on</strong>, each operated a grass<br />
cutter owned by IRRI and helped<br />
residents clean up Tagpuan Street up to<br />
the northern side of Purok 1 from<br />
7:00AM to 12:00 no<strong>on</strong>. Barangay<br />
Captain Cesar Moldez led his c<strong>on</strong>stituents<br />
and other barangay council officials<br />
during this activity.<br />
Arnold and Johnny Goloyugo of<br />
Clean Up in Los Baños<br />
VIS reiterated the institute’s commitment<br />
to assist the barangay in its community<br />
waste segregati<strong>on</strong> program during the<br />
IRRI-Barangay Bayog Council c<strong>on</strong>sultati<strong>on</strong><br />
meeting.<br />
The IRRI staff met with Barangay<br />
Captain Moldez al<strong>on</strong>g with councilors<br />
Willie Tandang, Ger<strong>on</strong> Pascual, Clarita<br />
Lapitan, Vic Lariño, Domeng Escasura,<br />
and Eduardo T. Managat.<br />
Aside from solid waste manage-<br />
. . . New from page 4<br />
cally. “I hope to get the cooperati<strong>on</strong> of<br />
the finance staff and all other staff so we<br />
can all work as a team. I want to be<br />
accepted as part of a team and be<br />
allowed to play. Team players depend<br />
<strong>on</strong> each other to win. I hope that we<br />
can all play our part as best as we can,<br />
that you will assist me to do the best<br />
that I can for IRRI.”<br />
Born in Ghana, Kwame holds a BSc<br />
in business administrati<strong>on</strong> from the<br />
University of Ghana and is a chartered<br />
ment, the barangay council in future will<br />
seek IRRI assistance in installing waste<br />
stands and using of dump trucks. The<br />
council will also pilot test waste segregati<strong>on</strong><br />
in <strong>on</strong>e of its puroks. It will also<br />
seek IRRI assistance <strong>on</strong> first aide training<br />
and seminar <strong>on</strong> peace and order for<br />
barangay tanods (police) and selected<br />
c<strong>on</strong>stituents. The officials expressed<br />
their gratitude to IRRI for extending<br />
assistance to Barangay Bayog.<br />
certified accountant from South West<br />
L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong> College, L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>. In additi<strong>on</strong> to<br />
being Director for Finance and Administrati<strong>on</strong><br />
at ICRISAT, he has had similar<br />
resp<strong>on</strong>sibilities at WARDA.<br />
Kwame and his wife, Amma Serwa,<br />
have three children. A s<strong>on</strong>, KB, and a<br />
daughter, Abena, are enrolled at Nova<br />
Southeastern University (Shepard Law<br />
School) and Ohio State University<br />
(Fischer Business School), respectively;<br />
a younger s<strong>on</strong>, Yao-Mandela, attends the<br />
internati<strong>on</strong>al school in Cote d’Ivoire.<br />
<strong>October</strong> 2002 7
. . . IRRI releases from page 1<br />
A Sandiwa interview with a number of retrenched staff and those who voluntarily availed<br />
of the <str<strong>on</strong>g>package</str<strong>on</strong>g> viewed the <str<strong>on</strong>g>retrenchment</str<strong>on</strong>g> program in a positive way.<br />
“I look at the <str<strong>on</strong>g>retrenchment</str<strong>on</strong>g> process<br />
as a very systematic way of dealing<br />
with the mechanics of the <str<strong>on</strong>g>retrenchment</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
program. I feel that it is a<br />
simple process in the end because<br />
there was no major difficulty that<br />
upset or disturbed the process<br />
although there were some who<br />
were not satisfied with the <str<strong>on</strong>g>package</str<strong>on</strong>g>.<br />
“The <str<strong>on</strong>g>retrenchment</str<strong>on</strong>g> process is<br />
another way of life where m<strong>on</strong>ey is<br />
given in advance for us to look for<br />
other opportunities. I hope IRRI will<br />
open its doors for retrenched<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>employees</str<strong>on</strong>g> who want to come back<br />
and work. I also hope that the<br />
retrenched staff will rekindle the<br />
past camaraderie because I always<br />
believe that no man is an island. I<br />
also look forward to a more<br />
interesting 2003 for the retrenched<br />
and remaining staff of IRRI,” said<br />
Senior NRS Scientist Alberto “Bert”<br />
Barri<strong>on</strong> who worked for the<br />
institute for 26 years.<br />
Imelda “Ting” B. Drahovsky, a<br />
former research technician with the<br />
Agricultural Engineering Unit for 24<br />
years, said: “I love IRRI and I’m both<br />
sad and happy at leaving. I am sad<br />
because all my previous bosses and<br />
officemates were nice. At the same<br />
time, I’m happy because I’ll be joining<br />
my husband in the United States. I’ll<br />
be back from time to time.”<br />
Research technician Beth<br />
average of 1% am<strong>on</strong>g developing<br />
countries and 2-3% am<strong>on</strong>g<br />
developed countries.<br />
7. While rice c<strong>on</strong>tinues to be<br />
favored compared with other<br />
commodities in terms of<br />
research expenditure allocati<strong>on</strong>,<br />
its development has been<br />
affected by weaknesses in the<br />
Dato<strong>on</strong>, who worked for 11 years at<br />
EPPD, viewed the <str<strong>on</strong>g>retrenchment</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
program as both an “opportunity and<br />
a blessing.” She said there were “lots<br />
of things to learn at IRRI especially in<br />
the use of computers and other<br />
facilities. Friends made my stay at IRRI<br />
happy.”<br />
“Nag-avail ako nang magbago<br />
naman ang takbo ng buhay ko. Hindi na<br />
masaya sa IRRI. Pahinga muna ako,” (I<br />
availed so that my life will change. It’s<br />
no l<strong>on</strong>ger enjoyable at IRRI. I’ll rest<br />
for a while.), said 11-year IRRI driver<br />
Reynaldo Martinez.<br />
“The <str<strong>on</strong>g>retrenchment</str<strong>on</strong>g> program was<br />
a painful process although my almost<br />
five-year stint with IRRI was very<br />
fruitful as I learned lots of things as a<br />
researcher with EPPD. The presence<br />
of a n<strong>on</strong>sectoral organizati<strong>on</strong> like The<br />
Rice Eyes Camera Club made my stay<br />
at IRRI happy,” claimed Judy O.<br />
Manalo.<br />
“I volunteered because of the<br />
good offer of the <str<strong>on</strong>g>retrenchment</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
program. This will give me an opportunity<br />
to open up a business and hire<br />
labor because I am a rice farmer<br />
myself,” said Vicente Oruga who<br />
worked for IRRI as a research<br />
technician for 19 years.<br />
According to many of those<br />
interviewed, IRRI has been a part of<br />
their lives and daily routine for so<br />
l<strong>on</strong>g. Some of the <str<strong>on</strong>g>employees</str<strong>on</strong>g> said that<br />
instituti<strong>on</strong>al framework of the<br />
research system including its<br />
linkage with extensi<strong>on</strong>.<br />
8. There is a drastic slowdown in<br />
growth of irrigated areas—<strong>on</strong>ly<br />
0.68% per annum in 1987-96 to<br />
3.38% per annum in 1977-86.<br />
Likewise, inefficiencies of<br />
current nati<strong>on</strong>al irrigati<strong>on</strong><br />
systems is caused by faulty<br />
IRRI was their first employer—they<br />
started as student assistants or emergency<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>employees</str<strong>on</strong>g> and were later<br />
regularized. The average length of<br />
service of staff who were included in<br />
the <str<strong>on</strong>g>retrenchment</str<strong>on</strong>g> was 19 years.<br />
“Today is just the beginning of the<br />
rest of my life.” thus, said Ella Castro,<br />
formerly of VIS, who worked at IRRI for<br />
25 years. “Magagawa ko na ang iba k<strong>on</strong>g<br />
gust<strong>on</strong>g gawin tulad ng pagta-travel o page-employ.<br />
I’d like to go into business books,<br />
magtayo ng DayCare Center, devote part<br />
of my time to a home for the aged, kasi<br />
ang mga matatanda gusto nila ng somebody<br />
who cares for them. In everything I do,<br />
I always give my 101%”, she added.<br />
“Babalik ako dito…hindi ko<br />
tatalikuran ang IRRI dahil malaki ang<br />
utang na loob ko dito,” said Grant Leceta,<br />
former graphic designer of CPS. He<br />
started in IRRI as a student assistant<br />
and became a regular employee in 1994.<br />
“Focus ang sarili ko sa trabaho no<strong>on</strong> at<br />
talagang nag-gain ako ng knowledge sa<br />
training ko sa IRRI. Dun’ sa natanggap<br />
k<strong>on</strong>g payment, nakabili ako ng kotse tapos<br />
40% no<strong>on</strong> ay sa savings. Ngay<strong>on</strong> nagtatrabaho<br />
na ako sa Asian Development<br />
Bank (ADB).”<br />
Mr. Joel Macabenta, who spent 3<br />
years at PBGB, said “Isi-save ko muna<br />
habang naghahanap ng trabaho, actually<br />
nagpapagawa ako ng bahay; yung nakuha<br />
ko…gagamitin ko sa pagpapagawa ng<br />
bahay”.<br />
design and failure to put in place<br />
a more effective operati<strong>on</strong> and<br />
maintenance mechanism.<br />
Further increases in rice producti<strong>on</strong><br />
hinges <strong>on</strong> the sustained investment in<br />
research and extensi<strong>on</strong>, development of<br />
irrigati<strong>on</strong>, and appropriate and more<br />
sustainable of use of inputs, particularly,<br />
fertilizer.<br />
8 <strong>October</strong> 2002
One hundred thirty residents of Barangay San Isidro in Bay, Laguna were benefi<br />
ciaries of the eighth medical missi<strong>on</strong> c<strong>on</strong>ducted by the IRRI Community Projects<br />
<strong>on</strong> 29 August.<br />
Barangay San Isidro medical missi<strong>on</strong> helps 130 patients<br />
Blood sugar determinati<strong>on</strong> was<br />
c<strong>on</strong>ducted <strong>on</strong> 128 patients while 84<br />
underwent electrocardiogram test. For the<br />
first time, the Ankle and Brachial Index<br />
(ABI) examinati<strong>on</strong> was d<strong>on</strong>e <strong>on</strong> 24<br />
patients courtesy of the Yamanouchi, Inc.,<br />
Retrenced from page 1 . . .<br />
to be interviewed, writing CVs, financial<br />
planning and budgeting, livelihood program,<br />
SSS/PAG-IBIG/PhilHealth seminars, and<br />
investment opti<strong>on</strong>s and job fairs; and Phase 3<br />
c<strong>on</strong>sisted of counseling sessi<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
“These training programs were designed<br />
and c<strong>on</strong>ducted in phases to help transiti<strong>on</strong><br />
retrenched staff to the next stage of their life,<br />
outside of IRRI,” said Fe Aglipay, HRS-NRS<br />
Manager. “We hope that the programs were<br />
helpful for our staff.”<br />
Lilian Mendoza, HRS-ER manager, said,<br />
“These programs aim to enhance and boost<br />
self-esteem, develop pers<strong>on</strong>al skills, and<br />
provide departing staff with a range of<br />
opti<strong>on</strong>s for investment, business, or pers<strong>on</strong>al<br />
renewal.”<br />
Some of the programs will be c<strong>on</strong>tinued<br />
this year and next year, such as the livelihood<br />
training programs, the informati<strong>on</strong> desk, and<br />
the posting and updating of job vacancies<br />
announcements <strong>on</strong> the Harrar Hall bulletin<br />
board, electr<strong>on</strong>ic bulletin, 2002 <str<strong>on</strong>g>retrenchment</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
folder, and other IRRI electr<strong>on</strong>ic public<br />
folders, which will run until December. Hard<br />
copies were given to administrative coordinators<br />
and divisi<strong>on</strong> secretaries for those with no<br />
computer access.<br />
About 70 retrenched staff participated in<br />
15 classes <strong>on</strong> livelihood programs from July<br />
to September that featured meat processing (4<br />
classes), fruit juice/puree making (1 class),<br />
flower/ballo<strong>on</strong> arrangement (2 classes),<br />
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○<br />
a pharmaceutical firm. ABI is a Doppler<br />
screening method used for checking<br />
nerve obstructi<strong>on</strong>s in diabetic patients.<br />
Medical c<strong>on</strong>sultati<strong>on</strong>, blood typing,<br />
and cholesterol tests were the other<br />
services provided during the medical<br />
scented candle making (2 classes), baking (2<br />
classes), basic b<strong>on</strong>sai making (1 class), hair<br />
trimming and dyeing (1 class), reflexology (1<br />
class), and soap making (1).<br />
The HRS-ER also invited different<br />
organizati<strong>on</strong>s, agencies, and companies in a<br />
Job/Networking/Franchising/Other Career<br />
Opti<strong>on</strong>s Fair <strong>on</strong> September 12 at Umali Hall.<br />
Sixteen companies joined, namely, Grand<br />
Hunter Club, Fiorgelato Ice Cream, Post<br />
Harvest, Triumph, Boardwalk, Spa Business,<br />
Refilling Stati<strong>on</strong>, Av<strong>on</strong>, Tupperware, Forever<br />
Living, First Quandrant Philippines Inc.,<br />
Philam Insurance, Citilife Insurance Agency,<br />
Jun Encarnaci<strong>on</strong> Sal<strong>on</strong>, Lifestyle, and E. Excel<br />
Internati<strong>on</strong>al.<br />
“These organizati<strong>on</strong>s, agencies, and<br />
companies were invited to network and<br />
speak about their organizati<strong>on</strong>s to IRRI<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>employees</str<strong>on</strong>g> who are c<strong>on</strong>sidering a possible<br />
career shift or would want to explore career/<br />
business opportunities outside of IRRI.<br />
“These organizati<strong>on</strong>s are either looking<br />
for Filipino scientists or workers to fill in<br />
their recruitment needs or simply want to<br />
establish c<strong>on</strong>tact with IRRI <str<strong>on</strong>g>employees</str<strong>on</strong>g> to<br />
provide possible business or additi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
income opportunities,” Mrs. Mendoza said.<br />
For the Job and Other Career Opti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
and Investment Opportunity Fairs, a<br />
committee evaluated various proposals and<br />
helped in the implementati<strong>on</strong> of the<br />
program. Lori Dagdag, Jojo Guce, Jojo<br />
Abengania, Ato Reaño, Joan Bels<strong>on</strong>da, Kathy<br />
missi<strong>on</strong> held at the San Isidro Health<br />
Center and Barangay Hall.<br />
Dr. Licinius G<strong>on</strong>zales of IRRI’s Safety<br />
and Security Services led the medical<br />
missi<strong>on</strong> together with Cris Dawinan and<br />
Lito Plat<strong>on</strong>. VIS interns Marineil Alilei A.<br />
B<strong>on</strong>ot and Cristy Abila from Batangas<br />
State University, and Food and Housing<br />
Services interns Mary Grace Castro and<br />
Annabelle Javier from the Laguna State<br />
Polytechnic College assisted them.<br />
The medical missi<strong>on</strong> was undertaken by<br />
the IRRI Community Projects at a total<br />
cost of P86,150 in cooperati<strong>on</strong> with 12<br />
health workers from Barangays Paciano<br />
Rizal, Tranca, Puypuy, Sta. Cruz, and San<br />
Isidro, the Laguna chapter of the Philippine<br />
Associati<strong>on</strong> of Medical Technologists,<br />
and medical representatives Vivian Cada<br />
of Novartis and Sherlene Mendoza of<br />
Pfizer Philippines.<br />
Lopez, and Lilian Mendoza comprised the<br />
committee.<br />
The HRS-ER also engaged the services of<br />
a holistic psychologist with 18 years of<br />
experience in all areas of psychology-clinical<br />
and mental, social and community, industrial<br />
and corporate, educati<strong>on</strong>al and developmentto<br />
c<strong>on</strong>duct an individual/group counseling<br />
sessi<strong>on</strong> for IRRI staff who needed help in<br />
articulating their professi<strong>on</strong>al and pers<strong>on</strong>al<br />
c<strong>on</strong>cerns. Both retrenched and retained staff<br />
availed of the counseling service <strong>on</strong> 17-18<br />
September.<br />
Representatives from the Cooperative<br />
Development Authority were also invited to<br />
c<strong>on</strong>duct an orientati<strong>on</strong> program <strong>on</strong> 10<br />
September <strong>on</strong> how to set up a cooperative.<br />
Rules and regulati<strong>on</strong>s, requirements, procedures,<br />
successes and failures, and other needto-know<br />
about cooperatives were discussed<br />
for some <str<strong>on</strong>g>employees</str<strong>on</strong>g> who were c<strong>on</strong>sidering<br />
putting up a cooperative as an alternative<br />
career.<br />
Fourteen banks, insurance companies,<br />
and other financial groups were also invited<br />
to offer investment opportunities to those<br />
c<strong>on</strong>templating <strong>on</strong> best investment opti<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
Pacific Plans, Insular Life, Philam, PAG-IBIG,<br />
Nati<strong>on</strong>al Housing Authority, Nati<strong>on</strong>al Life,<br />
Legacy Financial Group, Rizal Commercial<br />
and Banking Corporati<strong>on</strong>, Bank of the<br />
Philippine Islands Family Bank, BPI Savings,<br />
LandBank, Standard Chartered, PS Bank, and<br />
Philippine Nati<strong>on</strong>al Bank participated.<br />
<strong>October</strong> 2002 9
Most buildings at IRRI carry some<strong>on</strong>e’s name<br />
but do you know why names such as Dril<strong>on</strong>,<br />
Hemmi, and Lampe are closely associated with<br />
IRRI’s past? Here is a quick review of the 11<br />
people, all men, who have had IRRI buildings<br />
named after them:<br />
● Dr. Richard B. Bradfield was Agr<strong>on</strong>omist/Head<br />
of Multiple Cropping Dept., 1964-1971. The<br />
IRRI medical clinic bears his name. This<br />
building formerly housed the Multiple<br />
Cropping Department. He was an<br />
Agr<strong>on</strong>omist from Cornell University and was<br />
hired by the Rockefeller Foundati<strong>on</strong> in 1955<br />
to survey existing educati<strong>on</strong>al and research<br />
organizati<strong>on</strong>s of Asia where funds could be<br />
invested. In 1959, Dr. Bradfield, al<strong>on</strong>g with<br />
Dr. L. B. Uichanco, Dean of the UP College of<br />
Agriculture (UPCA) recommended that<br />
IRRI’s buildings be c<strong>on</strong>structed <strong>on</strong> Higamot<br />
Hill, an area adjacent to the Experimental<br />
Farm of the College of Agriculture.<br />
● Dr. Nyle C. Brady was IRRI’s third DG, from<br />
1973 to 1981. Dr. Brady is noted for his<br />
“quiet and persistent diplomacy” as he was<br />
able to forge cooperative relati<strong>on</strong>s between<br />
IRRI and rice scientists from China. He<br />
returned to IRRI briefly in 2000, at the time<br />
of the 40th anniversary celebrati<strong>on</strong>s. Brady<br />
Hall, the building named after him, used to be<br />
called Rice Genetic Resources Laboratory.<br />
● Dr. Robert F. Chandler was IRRI’s first DG,<br />
and served from 1960 to 1972. His was the<br />
l<strong>on</strong>gest term as IRRI Director General. It<br />
was under his leadership that IRRI was<br />
nurtured to develop into a world-class<br />
instituti<strong>on</strong> to which rice growing nati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
could turn for assistance in rice research and<br />
training. The first semi-dwarf rice varieties<br />
were developed by IRRI in the 1960s. IR8<br />
was released in 1966. He later served as DG<br />
at AVRDC and is the <strong>on</strong>ly past IRRI DG who<br />
is no l<strong>on</strong>ger living. He died in 1999, at the age<br />
of 91. Chandler Hall used to be the<br />
Administrati<strong>on</strong> Building as it housed the<br />
administrative, and finance offices before. The<br />
Office of Informati<strong>on</strong> Services, now CPS, used<br />
to be in that building too, occupying the end<br />
porti<strong>on</strong>. The <strong>on</strong>ly original occupant of this<br />
building that has not moved <strong>on</strong> is the Library.<br />
● Dr. Jose D. Dril<strong>on</strong> was Executive Officer, 1960-<br />
1971 and was appointed Secretary of the<br />
Board of Trustees for the durati<strong>on</strong> of his stay<br />
at IRRI. As Executive Officer, he was<br />
resp<strong>on</strong>sible for all n<strong>on</strong>scientific operati<strong>on</strong>s:<br />
pers<strong>on</strong>nel, buildings and grounds, cafeteria<br />
and dormitory services, security, motor pool,<br />
etc. This positi<strong>on</strong> no l<strong>on</strong>ger exists but is<br />
equivalent to Director for Administrati<strong>on</strong> and<br />
What’s in a Name?<br />
by Carmelita S. Austria, Mila M. Ramos, and Ian Wallace<br />
Human Resources. Capt. Dril<strong>on</strong> was noted for<br />
his diplomacy, the ability to take quick, decisive<br />
acti<strong>on</strong> and, also, for his good organizati<strong>on</strong>al skills,<br />
which c<strong>on</strong>tributed greatly to IRRI’s smooth<br />
operati<strong>on</strong>s. The Dril<strong>on</strong> Building is also known as<br />
the Ladies’ Dormitory.<br />
● Dr. J. George Harrar, from the Rockefeller<br />
Foundati<strong>on</strong>, was <strong>on</strong>e of IRRI’s “founding fathers”.<br />
He was the first BOT Chairman, 1960-1963. He<br />
provided leadership to the Rockefeller<br />
Foundati<strong>on</strong>’s Agricultural Program in Mexico,<br />
which gave proof that a food-deficit country<br />
could be transformed into a productive <strong>on</strong>e<br />
through intensive research and training. He and<br />
Warren Weaver, Director of the Rockefeller<br />
Foundati<strong>on</strong>’s Divisi<strong>on</strong> of Natural Sciences and<br />
Agriculture, presented the main arguments for<br />
the establishment of the Internati<strong>on</strong>al Rice<br />
Research Institute in Asia before the Board of<br />
Trustees of the Foundati<strong>on</strong> in <strong>October</strong> 1954.<br />
● Dr. Kenzo Hemmi, from Japan, was the first Asian<br />
BOT Chair. He served from 1984 to 1988. During<br />
this period, he worked hard to secure funding<br />
for a facility to house IRRI’s biofertilizer<br />
germplasm. The building, which was named after<br />
him in 1992, houses IRRI’s biofertilizer germplasm<br />
collecti<strong>on</strong>, the Analytical Services Laboratories,<br />
and the Soil and Water Sciences Divisi<strong>on</strong>. This<br />
building and Brady Hall were built largely through<br />
funds d<strong>on</strong>ated by the Japanese government. Dr.<br />
Hemmi is currently Professor Emeritus of the<br />
University of Tokyo and a member of the<br />
Internati<strong>on</strong>al Advisory Committee of the<br />
Internati<strong>on</strong>al Food Policy Research Institute.<br />
● Dr. Forrest F. Hill, came from the Ford Foundati<strong>on</strong>,<br />
and was IRRI’s other “founding father”. He was<br />
appointed as a BOT Trustee in 1960-62 and was<br />
the l<strong>on</strong>gest serving BOT Chairman, from 1963<br />
to 1978. Later he was named Trustee Emeritus,<br />
from 1980 to 1982. Dr. Hill, as a trustee of the<br />
Ford Foundati<strong>on</strong>, was am<strong>on</strong>g the first to voice<br />
out the c<strong>on</strong>cern for the worsening world food<br />
outlook. He, together with Dr. Harrar, surveyed<br />
the agricultural needs of developing countries,<br />
which resulted in the realizati<strong>on</strong> that the amount<br />
and quality of rice research in Asia were<br />
inadequate and eventually in the creati<strong>on</strong> of IRRI.<br />
● Dr. Gurdev S. Khush, Plant Breeder from 1967-<br />
2002, recently retired. He made significant<br />
c<strong>on</strong>tributi<strong>on</strong>s to the improvement of rice,<br />
particularly in multiple insect and disease<br />
resistance. He played a major role in the<br />
development of IR26, IR28, IR29, IR30, IR32, IR34,<br />
IR36, IR38, IR40 and IR42. He has <str<strong>on</strong>g>receive</str<strong>on</strong>g>d<br />
several prestigious awards such as the Borlaug<br />
Award; the World Food Prize; and the Rank Prize<br />
for Nutriti<strong>on</strong>. He shared the Japan Prize with Mr.<br />
H.M. Beachell for their roles in the development<br />
of improved semidwarf varieties that launched<br />
the Green Revoluti<strong>on</strong> in rice farming. The<br />
Khush Hall is also called the Collaborators’<br />
Center, being the home of several<br />
internati<strong>on</strong>al Centers: CIAT, CIMMYT,<br />
ICLARM, ILRI, INIBAP, ISAAA, and ISNAR.<br />
● Dr. Klaus Lampe, a German, was IRRI’s fifth<br />
DG, 1988-1995. He is known for his l<strong>on</strong>gterm<br />
visi<strong>on</strong> and leadership in rice research;<br />
and his c<strong>on</strong>sistent efforts in strengthening<br />
partnerships and sharing leadership<br />
resp<strong>on</strong>sibilities with the nati<strong>on</strong>al agricultural<br />
research systems of developing countries. It<br />
was during his term that several new buildings<br />
were added to IRRI’s landscape.<br />
● Dr. M<strong>on</strong>kombu S. Swaminathan was IRRI’s first<br />
Asian DG, from 1982-1988. He is recognized<br />
for his role in strengthening IRRI as a source<br />
of knowledge and expertise to further<br />
agricultural science, his support in the<br />
establishment of the Philippine Rice Research<br />
Institute, the initiati<strong>on</strong> of Technology Transfer<br />
Workshops for the exchange of ideas and<br />
informati<strong>on</strong> between the Philippine<br />
Department of Agriculture and IRRI, and the<br />
expansi<strong>on</strong> of IRRI’s capacity for upstream<br />
research to bring the fruits of recent advances<br />
in science and technology to Asian rice<br />
farmers. The building that carries his name<br />
was previously known as the Training and<br />
Technology Transfer Center.<br />
● Dr. Dioscoro L. Umali was Liais<strong>on</strong> Scientist<br />
(C<strong>on</strong>sultant), China, 1983-1992. Through his<br />
leadership as head of UPCA’s Rice and Maize<br />
Research Program and later as<br />
Dean of the College, Dr. Umali facilitated the<br />
establishment of IRRI in Los Baños and<br />
encouraged multidisciplinary research in rice;<br />
he was an academician, scientist, educator,<br />
research organizer, development<br />
administrator, and science statesman. He<br />
played a major role in strengthening the<br />
collaborati<strong>on</strong> between China and IRRI. The<br />
building named after him houses the<br />
Entomology, Plant Pathology divisi<strong>on</strong>,<br />
Biometrics, and other units.<br />
● Summing up, five buildings have been named<br />
for Americans, two for Filipinos, two for<br />
Indians, and <strong>on</strong>e each for citizens of Germany<br />
and Japan.<br />
References:<br />
Chandler, RF. 1982. An adventure in applied science : a<br />
history of the Internati<strong>on</strong>al Rice Research<br />
Institute. Los Baños, Laguna: IRRI.<br />
Facts about cooperati<strong>on</strong>: Japan and IRRI. 993.Los Baños,<br />
Laguna: IRRI.<br />
IFPRI 2020: Visi<strong>on</strong> for food, agriculture, and the<br />
envir<strong>on</strong>ment. Washingt<strong>on</strong>, D.C.: IFPRI, 2001?<br />
http://www.ifpri.cgiar.org/2020/iac.htm<br />
10 <strong>October</strong> 2002
AISAS holds Sama-sama Together sa September<br />
The Associati<strong>on</strong> of IRRI Secretaries and Administrative Staff (AISAS) held its gettogether<br />
Sama-sama Together sa September at the IRRI Club. The activity <strong>on</strong> 26<br />
September celebrated AISAS’ 18th anniversary, h<strong>on</strong>ored its presidents and members<br />
who will be leaving IRRI, and promoted camaraderie am<strong>on</strong>g AISANs.<br />
The activity was attended by 13 of<br />
its past presidents: Leila Herbano, 1999;<br />
Nida Reyes, 1997 & 1998; Ella Castro,<br />
1994; Hedda Rada, 1993; Vicky<br />
Sebastian, founding president, 1985;<br />
Cely Carretas, 1989; Eves Reyes, 1992;<br />
(standing from left to right) Ella<br />
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○<br />
Figueroa, 1995; Margaret Ann Jingco,<br />
2000; Cecille Sal<strong>on</strong>ga, 1996; Percy<br />
Mappatao, 1990; Sylvia Arellano,<br />
1991; current president Nelie de los<br />
Reyes; and Linda Gabriel, 1987. Other<br />
presidents not present were Fely<br />
Almasan, 1986; Angie Silva, 1988; and<br />
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○<br />
The Society of IRRI N<strong>on</strong>Research Professi<strong>on</strong>als h<strong>on</strong>ored its members who are<br />
leaving IRRI for various reas<strong>on</strong>s in a simple get-together held at the Harrar Hall<br />
Seminar Room last 25 September. Organized by the board, the activity was the<br />
sec<strong>on</strong>d general assembly held this year and was attended by about 30 members and<br />
friends.<br />
Chelo Abrenilla, 2001.<br />
The celebrati<strong>on</strong> featured a photo<br />
exhibit of AISAS activities and a list of<br />
officers for the last 18 years. On display<br />
were pins and banners of AISAS and the<br />
IRRI Secretaries Associati<strong>on</strong> (ISA); photos<br />
of annual inducti<strong>on</strong>s of new officers,<br />
Valentine sales, fellowship nights with the<br />
bosses, sports fest, tree-planting, walkers<br />
club, fund raising activities, and other<br />
memorabilia.<br />
The AISANs also h<strong>on</strong>ored departing<br />
members Ella Castro, Lita Dilag, Lita<br />
Katimbang, Pinky Gallivo, Meds B<strong>on</strong>dad,<br />
Mayette Nadal, and Remy Vivas. Other<br />
members who were h<strong>on</strong>ored but were<br />
not able to attend are Charo Medalla and<br />
Divine Marinay. Photos of AISANs signed<br />
by well-wishers were given as tokens to<br />
all the presidents and departing members.<br />
Once more, AISAns were able to enjoy<br />
the fellowship as they ate, danced, sang,<br />
and viewed some slides courtesy of Eves<br />
Reyes. It was really a night to remember.<br />
The AISAS Board of Governors and<br />
Building Representatives 2002 wish to<br />
thank all those who have c<strong>on</strong>tributed to<br />
the success of the event.<br />
SINoP calls for support for rebuilding in the workplace<br />
SINoP President Kathy Lopez<br />
thanked all the members for supporting<br />
the organizati<strong>on</strong>’s projects in the<br />
last four years. She urged all the<br />
members—both those leaving and<br />
those who will be left behind to look<br />
forward to new beginnings in their<br />
lives—at IRRI or outside of IRRI. She<br />
reminded the remaining staff to<br />
support the Institute’s efforts at<br />
rebuilding and to c<strong>on</strong>tribute to enhancing<br />
the instituti<strong>on</strong>al well-being and<br />
vigor.<br />
As a sign of thanks, departing staff<br />
were given tokens by the organizati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
A few of the departing members were<br />
charter members and had served as<br />
Computer d<strong>on</strong>ati<strong>on</strong>s from IRRI<br />
The Internati<strong>on</strong>al Rice Research Institute (IRRI)<br />
d<strong>on</strong>ated five used computers for use by the<br />
Department of Horticulture, University of the<br />
philippines Los Baños (UPLB). engineer noel<br />
Palacpac of the UPLB Central Experiment<br />
Stati<strong>on</strong> is hown receiving coputer keyboard<br />
from Duncan Maintosh, Head, Visitors and<br />
Informati<strong>on</strong> Services, symbolic of the IRRI<br />
D<strong>on</strong>ati<strong>on</strong>. The institute also d<strong>on</strong>ated 10 used<br />
compters each to the San Ant<strong>on</strong>io Nati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
High School in Bay and to the municipal<br />
government of Los Baños, Laguna.<br />
officers or board members of SINoP.<br />
SINoP was established in 1998 to<br />
work for the interest of the n<strong>on</strong>research<br />
professi<strong>on</strong>al sector at IRRI. The organizati<strong>on</strong><br />
has almost a hundred members,<br />
and about <strong>on</strong>e-fifth have left IRRI at the<br />
end of September.<br />
<strong>October</strong> 2002 11
Community Bulletin Board<br />
New publicati<strong>on</strong>s of general interest<br />
Food for all: the need for a new agriculture by John Madeley.<br />
Zed Books, 2002. 191 p. Paperback, call number S482.M34<br />
2002.<br />
The author outlines the ideas and changes that could offer<br />
viable livelihoods to resource-poor farmers and food for the<br />
hungry : sustainable agriculture, low-external input agriculture,<br />
organic food producti<strong>on</strong>, reintegrati<strong>on</strong> of traditi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
farming techniques.<br />
Investing in knowledge capital: management imperatives by<br />
Shantha Liyanage & Alan J. J<strong>on</strong>es. Singapore Institute of<br />
Management, 2002. 269 p. hardcover, call number HD30.2.L59<br />
2002.<br />
This book offers the reader insight into innovati<strong>on</strong> processes<br />
that occur in a different socio-ec<strong>on</strong>omic milieu. The<br />
authors argue that the appropriati<strong>on</strong> of knowledge is best<br />
attempted through dec<strong>on</strong>structing the comm<strong>on</strong>, specialized,<br />
and background aspects of knowledge.<br />
Rice almanac. 3rd ed. IRRI, 2002. 253 p. Hardcover, Call<br />
number reference SB207.M6A45.<br />
A standard handbook c<strong>on</strong>taining general informati<strong>on</strong> as<br />
well as statistical data about rice.<br />
How to use biotechnology abstracts: agricultural and<br />
envir<strong>on</strong>mental (BAAE). IRRI Library and Documentati<strong>on</strong><br />
Service, 2002. (Informati<strong>on</strong> sheet no. 2002-02).<br />
Using the rice bibliography CD-ROM: simple search opti<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
IRRI Library and Documentati<strong>on</strong> Service, 2002. (Informati<strong>on</strong><br />
sheet no. 2002-03).<br />
Table of C<strong>on</strong>tents (TOC) Alerts<br />
(For titles not included in the Library’s journal subscripti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
list)<br />
European Journal of Plant Pathology , v. 108, no. 6, July 2002<br />
Food chemistry, v. 79, no. 1, Oct. 2002<br />
Food Research Internati<strong>on</strong>al, v.35, no. 8, 2002<br />
Journal of Insect Physiology, v. 48, no. 8, Aug. 2002<br />
Nature Reviews Genetics, v.3, no.9, September 2002<br />
Postharvest Biology and Technology, v. 26, no. 1, August<br />
2002<br />
Technological Forecasting and Social Change, v. 69, no. 7,<br />
September 2002<br />
(For hard or electr<strong>on</strong>ic copies of the informati<strong>on</strong> sheets or<br />
TOCs, pls. call C<strong>on</strong>sie at loc. 515)<br />
UPLB Loyalty Day celebrati<strong>on</strong><br />
IRRI will participate in the foot and float parade in celebrati<strong>on</strong><br />
of the UPLB Alumni Homecoming and Loyalty Day <strong>on</strong> 13<br />
<strong>October</strong>. Trophies will be awarded to the most symbolic, most<br />
colorful, and liveliest foot c<strong>on</strong>tingents.<br />
Use the Community Bulletin Board to publicize an event, make an announcement, send<br />
pers<strong>on</strong>al greetings, buy and sell. Please submit your notice no later than a week before the<br />
end of the m<strong>on</strong>th, to appear in the following m<strong>on</strong>th’s Sandiwa. E-mail Sandiwa@irri.cgiar.org<br />
or call Johnny Goloyugo (x6824) or Peter Fredenburg (x401).<br />
Driver’s license renewal<br />
The driver’s licenses of the following are due for renewal <strong>on</strong> 18<br />
<strong>October</strong>: Salvador T. Zaragoza, Jr., Teodoro G. Carre<strong>on</strong>, Semanti<br />
Datta, Ernesto S. Regulaci<strong>on</strong>, Paul Belder, Sylvia R. Arellano,<br />
Ruben G. Chavez, Elma N. Nicolas, Evangeline G. G<strong>on</strong>zales,<br />
Florecio R. Balens<strong>on</strong>, and Rogelio R. Quintos. Renewal forms<br />
are available in the IRRI forms folder in Microsoft Outlook.<br />
Please C<strong>on</strong>tact Lito Cabral of Transport Services, ext. 230, for<br />
inquiries.<br />
Performance appraisal 2002<br />
At the beginning of the year it was decided to reserve the week<br />
of 11-15 November 2002 for performance appraisal of NRS.<br />
IRS performance review is scheduled for 25-29 November.<br />
Please refer to the Important Events in 2002 informati<strong>on</strong><br />
sheet distributed to all IRRI staff earlier this year.<br />
Please return your completed performance appraisal forms<br />
as follows:<br />
Staff groups Return completed forms to: Due date<br />
NRS HR-Nati<strong>on</strong>al Staff 22 November 2002<br />
(c/o Mrs Fe V. Aglipay)<br />
Liais<strong>on</strong> Scientists IPMO (c/o Dr Mark A. Bell) 22 November 2002<br />
IRS, IRF (AS) HR-Internati<strong>on</strong>al Staff 6 December 2002<br />
(c/o Mrs Selene M. Ocampo)<br />
PDF HR-Internati<strong>on</strong>al Staff 6 December 2002<br />
(c/o Mrs Nida E. Reyes)<br />
Genetic Resource Center Transfer<br />
Starting immediately the Genetic Resource Center (GRC),<br />
headed by Dr. Ruaraidh Sackville-Hamilit<strong>on</strong>, will be transferred<br />
from the office of the Deputy Director General for Partnerships<br />
to the office of the Deputy Director General for Research. This<br />
transfer also includes the INGER coordinator, Dr. Edwin Javier<br />
and the INGER operati<strong>on</strong>s, the Director General, R<strong>on</strong>ald P.<br />
Cantrell, announced <strong>on</strong> 3 <strong>October</strong>.<br />
New names for EDR and IRRI dorms<br />
IRRI Management has approved several name changes: The<br />
Executive Dining Room (EDR) is now known as the IRRI<br />
Dining Room while (IRRI) Dorm I, II, and others are now called<br />
(IRRI) Residence I, II, and others. "Executive Dining Room" is<br />
not entirely accurate as "executives" are not the <strong>on</strong>ly <strong>on</strong>es<br />
enjoying the fine cuisine in this facility. Therefore, "IRRI Dining<br />
Room" is preferred, according to Ian Wallace, Director for<br />
Administrati<strong>on</strong> and Human Resources. "As for the IRRI dorms,<br />
this term is also inaccurate and has led to several misunderstandings<br />
this year. IRRI Residences will be the new name," Mr.<br />
Wallace said. "I hope that these name changes will be welcomed<br />
and quickly adopted by all at IRRI," he said.<br />
12 <strong>October</strong> 2002