Retrenched employees receive retrenchment package on 1 October

One heart, one spirit, one family
OCTOBER 2002
what’s inside
2 Congressional committee visit
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
○
3 IFSA scholars
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
6 CIE begins activities
○ ○ ○ ○
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
7 Clean-up in Los Baños
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
Published by the International Rice Research Institute sandiwa@irri.cgiar.org www.irri.org/vis/sandiwa/sandiwa.htm
<strong>Retrenched</strong> <strong>employees</strong>
<strong>receive</strong> <strong>retrenchment</strong>
<strong>package</strong> on 1 October
Staff included in the NRS Retrenchment Program 2002 got their checks representing
their retirement and <strong>retrenchment</strong> <strong>package</strong> on 1 October. Eight of the
173 NRS were from the IRRI Office in Thailand.
The payment of the <strong>retrenchment</strong>
<strong>package</strong>s was supervised and coordinated
by the Human Resources Services-Nationally
Recruited Staff (HRS-
NRS) and Finance.
DG Ron Cantrell, DDGP Dr.
William G. Padolina, DAHR Director Ian
Wallace, Treasury Manager Lisa Panes,
HRS-NRS Manager Fe Aglipay, and Atty.
Walfrido Gloria were also present during
this process, as HRS-ER and CIE representatives
Also present were a notary public
and three representatives from the
Employment Promotion Division of the
Department of Labor and Employment,
namely, Lirio Malabanan, Vicky
Natanauan, and Joji Arce Buche.
Ms. Malabanan told Sandiwa that
she learned that 30 of the retrenched
staff have sought reemployment elsewhere,
while 26 others indicated putting
up their own businesses.
to page 8 . . .
Finance personnel
(left) assist in the
issuance of
<strong>retrenchment</strong> <strong>package</strong>
claims. Mar Movillion,
former Visitors
Manager smiles as he
<strong>receive</strong>s his check.
HRS-ER, CIE
implement programs
for retrenched staff
S
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
○
tarting in July this year, the Human
Resources Services-Nationally
Recruited Staff (HRS-NRS) and Employee
Relations (HRS-ER), and the Council of
IRRI Employees (CIE) implemented
several major assistance programs to
help transition <strong>employees</strong> covered by
the NRS Retrenchment Program 2002.
These interventions were broken
down into three phases: Phase 1 was on
Managing Life/Career Transitions—
Looking Within; Phase 2 was Looking at
Options and included training on
outplacement opportunities, how to do
consulting work, entrepreneurship, how
to page 9 . . .
October 2002 1

Congressional committee visits IRRI
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
○
The Philippine government’s efforts in ensuring future food sustainability are
being hampered by runaway population growth. Despite the presence of the
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Baños, Laguna, the country continues
to import rice.
BY MERCY SOMBILLA, SSD
R
○ ○
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
ice production in the Philippines has actually grown from about 4 million metric tons in the early 1960s to about 10.5 million
metric tons in the late 1990s. Yield increases account for most of the growth as area cultivated almost remained constant at
around 3.5 million hectares. The current yield level averages about 3.0 tons per hectare (up from the 1.2 tons per hectare 30 years
ago). The yield level is relatively high compared with other Asian countries—higher than Thailand (2.2 tons per hectare), almost
the same as in India and Myanmar (2.9 tons per hectare), and almost close to that of Vietnam (3.5 tons per hectare).
Why is the Philippines importing
then when its neighboring countries
are exporting?
1. Philippine population growth
rate has remained; other
countries have reduced their
population growth rates by
almost 50%.
2. Rice per capita consumption in
the Philippines is still increasing
while other countries like
Thailand have shown declining
trend in per capita consumption
of the commodity.
As a result of 1 and 2, rice demand
continues to be strong.
3. Area cultivated to rice in
Why the Philippines imports rice
Thailand is more than two times
that of the Philippines (9 million
hectares compared with 4
million hectares) and in Vietnam
almost 2 times (7 million
hectares).
4. Likewise, Philippine rice yield
grew only at an average rate of
1.84% per year in the last
decade. Rice yield in Thailand
and Vietnam grew at 2.75% per
annum and 5.36% per annum,
respectively during the same
period.
5. The slower rice productivity
growth comes from slower rates
of input use. Growth in fertilizer
These were the two main issues
discussed when members of the Philippines
House of Representatives Committee
on Agriculture, Food, and Fisheries
led by its Chair, the Hon. Alfredo
Marañon, visited IRRI on 5 September.
Honorables Herminio G. Teves,
Angelo O. Montilla, Arthur Y. Pingoy, Jr.,
Ernie Dulalas Clarete, Carmen L. Cari,
Perpetuo B. Ylagan, and Belma A.
Cabilao accompanied Congressman
Marañon during the visit.
The Director General, Dr. Ronald P.
Cantrell, together with the Deputy
Director General for Research, Dr. Ren
Wang, welcomed and briefed the congressional
committee on current research
activities.
The committee also viewed the
documentary Filling the World’s Rice Bowl
and visited the Riceworld Museum and
Learning Center and the International Rice
Genebank as part of their briefing. A
lunch with Dr. Cantrell, Dr. Wang, and
Atty. Walfrido Gloria capped the congressional
committee’s visit to IRRI.
use is slowest—2.68% per
annum in 1987-96; compared
with Vietnam at 14.64% per
annum, Thailand at 14.64% per
annum, India at 4.01% per
annum, Bangladesh at 5.45%
per annum.
6. Underinvestment in long-term
productivity enhancing programs
and projects including
those for research and development
and for irrigation. Public
expenditures for R&D represent
only 0.4% of gross value added
in agriculture in contrast to an
to page 8 . . .
2 October 2002

IFSA announces scholars
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
J. Hernandez C. Lanwang J. Mendoza P. Panopio
The IRRI Filipino Scientists Association (IFSA) announced the names of five
collegiate and eight high school scholarship grantees studying this year in various
schools in Los Baños, Laguna.
Joan R. Hernandez, BS Chemical
Engineering; Roderica Calibo, BS
Agriculture (Business Management);
Perlie A. Panopio, BS Civil Engineering;
Jaypee Mendoza, BS Development
Communication; and Cherry V.
Lanwang, BS Agriculture are the IFSA
scholars studying at the University of the
Philippines Los Baños.
In her message to IFSA Miss
Hernandez said, “Being an IFSA scholar
is such an honor and a privilege. I am
so grateful because of all the students
aspiring to be grantees, I was given the
chance to prove my worth. With that, I
am more motivated and inspired to
excel in my chosen field of endeavor. I
hope that your institution would
continue supporting more deserving
students in fulfilling their goals because
they will serve as a strong foundation of
our nation.”
“Scholarships like these really help
students like me and our families, not
only financially but also academically.
This scholarship is a great motivation in
my studies to do my best and to get
higher grades.
“But motivation is not the only
thing that this scholarship brings to my
life. It also helps develop discipline and
a sense of responsibility that will help
make me become a better person. Being
one of the scholars of IFSA is not
something to brag about. It is an
opportunity and something to be proud
of,” Miss Panopio told Sandiwa.
“You’re great! This scholarship is
indeed a great help for a student like
me. It also serves as an incentive to
study hard and be patient. You make
me happy because of the financial
support. Thank you very much,” Miss
Lanwang told IFSA.
Mr. Mendoza said, “Being a scholar
of IFSA is an achievement in itself. The
scholarship challenges and inspires me
to do well in my studies. IFSA does not
only help me financially but also in
other aspects of my life.”
The IFSA scholars in the high
school level are the following:
Rodney De Chavez, Ma. Cheriza de
Mesa, July Lyn Dizon, Patria Berea
Laungayan, Karen Lapitan, and Ailyn
Malabayabas, all of the Los Baños
National High School. Neil Angeles and
Rizza Gonzaga study at the Liceo de Los
Baños.
Most of the scholars are children of
IRRI <strong>employees</strong>. Aside from its own
financial resources, IFSA gets its scholarship
funds from the memorial funds of
the late IRRI scientists Pablo Vicencio,
John Leece, and K.C. Ling as well as
from former IRRI scientists T.T. Chang
and S. Bhuiyan.
To qualify for a college scholarship,
an applicant must be a dependent of an
IRRI employee, academically promising,
to page 5 . . .
IFSA honors departing members
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
IFSA, the IRRI Filipino Scientists Association, held a fellowship on 4 September for
IFSAns leaving at the end of the month as a result of the Institute’s ongoing
<strong>retrenchment</strong> program. With the theme Moving on, the activity promoted camaraderie
and fellowship through group dynamics, singing, distribution of the IFSA pins, and
messages delivered by senior IFSAns, honorary member Dr. Ren Wang, and IFSA
President Jojo Lapitan. The forum also recognized the various IFSA scholars, consisting
of high school and college students enrolled in several schools in Laguna.
. . . to page 6
October 2002 3

IRRI recognizes BHWs
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
Information Services Manger Sylvia Inciong reads the citation of the Certificate of
Appreciation. From left: Dr. Padolina, VIS Head Duncan Macintosh, and Community
Projects Officer Lito Platon.
IRRI recognized the work and valuable assistance of 11 barangay health workers
(BHWs) from Bay, Laguna to the monthly medical missions of the IRRI Community
Projects.
To date, a total of 21 medical
missions have been conducted in 15
barangays in Bay since 17 May 2001.
These are barangays Tuntungin, Paciano
Rizal, Sta. Cruz, Tranca, Masaya, Puypuy,
Calo, Maitim, San Agustin, San Nicolas,
Dila, San Antonio, San Isidro,
Tagumpay, and Sto. Domingo. The VIS
implements the medical missions under
the IRRI Community Projects.
IRRI presented certificates of
appreciation to the BHWs on 6 September
during a luncheon at the Harrar Hall
Executive Dining Room tendered in
their honor.
The BHWs were Marivic B. Briones
and Glecy Cariaga of Paciano Rizal;
Natalia H. Perez of Puypuy; Yolanda B.
Belda, Aurea M. Mercado, and Violeta S.
Gapan of Tranca; and Merlita G.
Robiños and Nery G. Ortiz of Masaya.
Dr. Willy Padolina welcomed the
honorees at the luncheon, with VIS
Head Duancan Macintosh, Sylvia
Inciong, Lito Platon, Safety Nurse Cris
Dawinan, Dr. Licinius Gonzales, and
Glenn Enriquez.
Two IRRI staff members complete distance
education course
T
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
eresita V. Rola, associate science editor at CPS, and Marietta D. Nadal, program
coordinator at PBGB, have completed their Master of Professional Studies
(development communication) and Master of Public Management, respectively, under
the distance-learning program of the UP Open University in Los Baños. Ms. Rola was
an IRRI scholar under the Professional Growth Committee.
T. Rola M. Nadal
New director for
finance joins IRRI
M
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
r. Kwame Akuffo-Akoto joined
IRRI on 2 September as the
Institute’s new treasurer and director for
finance. His vision for IRRI is to be able
to have a balanced budget as soon as
possible. A financially stable organization
can do so many things and that’s
why he wants financial prudence for
IRRI. “To achieve this vision, I have
three general principles: revenue
enhancement; expenditure planning,
control, and reduction; and efficient use
of resources,” he says.
Kwame considers donor apathy
regarding agricultural research as one of
IRRI’s great challenges. “Donor support
is going down and it’s very difficult to
get donors with all the competition from
other centers and causes”, he says.
Another big challenge for him is how to
convince staff and partners to change
their mindsets and attitudes. “We have to
let staff know that things have changed.
We all have to adjust our thinking
because we are now in a totally different
ballgame. It is not business as
usual.”
Being with ICRISAT for 6 years, he
notes some significant differences
between the two centers. “IRRI is not as
diffused, in terms of having offices
spread out geographically,” he says.
ICRISAT has five crops, IRRI has one,
and ICRISAT’s budget is not as large as
IRRI’s.”
The new finance director is very
eager to get things started. “I look
forward to this job,” he says enthusiasti
4 October 2002

Tom Mew wins Friendship Prize 2002
EPPD Head Tom Mew has won the Friendship
Prize 2002 awarded by the Jiangsu
Provincial Government for his contribution
to rice protection and production in China.
The prize is exclusively awarded to foreign
experts outside China. Dr. Mew has been
invited to <strong>receive</strong> his award on 20 October
in Jiangsu.
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
G.S. Khush is recipient of
Son of Laguna award
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
Former IRRI principal plant breeder Gurdev S. Khush (left in
photo) was recently named an adopted and distinguished
son of the Province of Laguna. The award was given in recognition
of his exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment
in the realization of IRRI’s rice breeding program, which led to
his outstanding contribution for revolutionizing the rice production
system that has served and supported humanity. Laguna
Governor Teresita Lazaro (center in photo), along with officers
of the Laguna provincial government, presented the award to
Dr. Khush on 9 September in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.
. . . Scholars from page 3
financially in need, a student of the University of the Philippines
System or an educational institution of equivalent
standing, and of good moral character. The same criteria apply
to high school applicants under the IFSA and T.T. Chang
Scholarship except that students may enroll outside of the UP
System.
Under the S. Bhuiyan Scholarship, the high school entrant
must not be a recipient of any scholarship, with an average
academic standing or better in the elementary, a resident of
Los Baños, parents not employed at IRRI, have no steady
income, and belong to the lowest income group in the community.
Thomas George awarded Digital
Vision Fellowship
at Stanford University
U
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
sing information and communication technology (ICT) for
rural empowerment and entrepreneurship” is the mission
Dr. Thomas George is accepting at Stanford University as a 2002-
2003 Reuters Digital Vision Fellow. With support from a Silicon
Valley entrepreneur, Dr. George will be developing ICT solutions
for the “last mile” of facilitating one-on-one connections of rural
farmer customers with suppliers of locally relevant knowledge,
technologies, and services, as well as with market-makers.
Dr. George’s venture in Silicon Valley comes after 15 years
of experience in research and technology transfer in agriculture.
Previously, he was an agronomist and project team leader at
IRRI as a seconded scientist from the University of Hawaii’s
Nitrogen Fixation and Tropical Agricultural Legumes (NifTAL)
Center. At IRRI, he led research addressing productivity in
rainfed lowlands and fragile uplands of Asia and managed
several projects with the national agricultural research and
extension systems (NARES) partners. Most notable among his
contributions is the advancement of high-yielding rice production
on aerobic soil, now launched as the new ‘aerobic rice’
project at IRRI.
Dr. George’s shift into ICT for development is partly due to
the realization that little of the potentially useful knowledgebased
technologies generated from agricultural R&D actually
reach resource-poor farmers. He notes that while farmers
manage to gain access to seed- and machine-based technologies,
it is not generally the case with knowledge-based technologies.
“The real power of ICT in rural development is in its ability
to directly connect people so that they can
carry out a mutually gainful exchange
without inefficient, or sometimes exploitative,
middlepersons,” he said. Thus, his
focus will be on making ICT accessible,
non-intimidating, useful, and a means to
empower people.
The scholars are given stipends for the whole course or
program: P2,000 for high school scholars per year and P2,500
for college scholars per semester.
“They have to maintain their average grades at 85% and
2.00 for high school and college scholars, respectively. They
are required to submit a copy of their grades at the end of the
school year (high school scholars) or semester (college
scholars) to the IFSA scholarship committee for them to get
their stipends for the next school year/semester,” the IFSA
Scholarship Committee said.
Marianne Samson of CSWS was the head of IFSA’s Scholarship
Committee, with Serafin Amarante of CSWS and Darlene
Sanchez of PBGB as members.
October 2002 5

Philippine charter of ACE begins activities
At its international meeting in Savannah, Georgia, in August, the Agricultural Communicators in Education (ACE) approved the
admission of the Philippines as a Charter Country of the organization. ACE is a professional communicators association with
more than 800 members worldwide and charter recognition of a developing country allows communicators in that country to have
affiliate membership. Last month, Gene Hettel, ACE international director, presented the Philippine Charter Certificate (which lists
the names of 52 founding affiliate members) to Ariel Javellana of IRRI, the affiliate group’s charter representative.
Some of the other founding affiliate
members present for the ceremony
included, from left, Katherine Lopez,
Tess Rola, Manny Panisales, and Boopy
Cardenas from IRRI; Madeline Suva and
Ma. Rovilla Sudaprasert from the College
of Development Communications,
UPLB; and from right, Arlene Garcia-
Blanco and Joel Santiago from the
Forest Products Research and Develop-
. . . IFSA from page 1
In his special message, Dr. Ren
Wang, who was granted honorary
membership in IFSA, marveled at the
Filipino’s resiliency in times of difficulty,
and the IFSAn’s ability to be positive
during this time of stress and organizational
change. He cited the need for the
organization to change and evolve as a
result of internal and external pressures,
and challenged the members to improve
and learn from these changes. He also
reminded members to treasure the
golden moments of the organization. “I
am confident that IRRI will resume its
activities and energy, and move on to
form what the DG calls ‘Team IRRI’”.
ment Institute (FPRDI); Arlene Obmerga
and Eileen Cardona from the Philippine
Council for Agriculture, Forestry, and
Natural Resources Research and Development
(PCARRD); and Alicia Rillo,
Benefa Dayao, and Marilanie Lanuzo
from the Southeast Asian Regional
Center for Graduate Study and Research
in Agriculture (SEARCA). Other organizations
currently with affiliate members
The fellowship was attended by
some 93 IFSAns and guests, including
scholars, their parents, and friends.
According to Jojo Lapitan, despite the
difficult times IRRI is in, including the
<strong>retrenchment</strong> of a number of IFSAns, it
is the board’s responsibility to provide
avenues for members to enhance
fellowship. “This is a time of challenge
for the organization, and we will
continue to cater to the needs of the
members, and promote activities that
further the cause of the IRRI researcher.”
He also cited the IFSA scholarship
program, which has benefited young
and deserving students through the
sponsorship of generous individuals,
in the Philippine ACE charter group
include the Asian Development Bank,
ICLARM, the International Institute for
Rural Reconstruction (IIRR), Partnerships
in Environmental Management for the
Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA), and
PhilRice.
The group is planning to hold an
organizational meeting in early December.
and other IFSA activities.
In the various messages delivered
by senior IFSAns, the single-minded
reminder was to move on. Eves Loresto
(formerly of GRC, who retired 2 years
ago), in a message read by Normitz
dela Cruz of PBGB, enjoined the IFSAns
to “burn the bridges of disappointment”
and move on. Glenn Gregorio likewise
motivated the members to move
forward and not waddle in the past.
Mar Movillon encouraged the members
to imbibe the characteristics of an
IFSAn: having Integrity, being Forwardlooking,
having Soulfulness or the
conviction and spirit, and having the
right Attitude.
6 October 2002

I
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
RRI, as a leading member of the Los Baños Science Community (LBSC), participated in the clean-up activities in Barangay Bayog
in Los Baños on 14 September.
The cleanup activities
were held in 14
barangays throughout
the Science and
Nature City of Los
Baños as the municipal
government celebrated in advance
the United Nations Environment
Programme-backed 2002 Clean Up the
World.
Clean Up the World is the biggest
community-based environment project
in the world that began in 1993 as an
offshoot of the Clean Up Australia Day
in 1989 started by Australian builder and
solo yachtsman, Ian Kiernan. This year,
reports indicated that over 30 million
people from 120 countries participated
in this activity on 20-22 September
inspired by the theme “Your Community,
Our Earth.” Activities ranged from
festival celebrations in Asia, to huge
waterway clean ups in the Middle East
and Central America.
The clean-up activities in Los Baños
also ushered in the 387 th foundation
anniversary of the municipality on 17
September and the first Bañamos
Festival (a shower of wonders) on 17-21
September. Bañamos, a Spanish word
which means to take a bath or shower,
comes from the stem word of the town’s
name, Los Baños.
IRRI as an LBSC member adopted
Barangay Bayog last year to assist in its
solid waste management program and
in various training activities. During the
cleanup, Arnold Manza, Jose Manuel,
and Roger Bargola, all of the Experiment
Station, each operated a grass
cutter owned by IRRI and helped
residents clean up Tagpuan Street up to
the northern side of Purok 1 from
7:00AM to 12:00 noon. Barangay
Captain Cesar Moldez led his constituents
and other barangay council officials
during this activity.
Arnold and Johnny Goloyugo of
Clean Up in Los Baños
VIS reiterated the institute’s commitment
to assist the barangay in its community
waste segregation program during the
IRRI-Barangay Bayog Council consultation
meeting.
The IRRI staff met with Barangay
Captain Moldez along with councilors
Willie Tandang, Geron Pascual, Clarita
Lapitan, Vic Lariño, Domeng Escasura,
and Eduardo T. Managat.
Aside from solid waste manage-
. . . New from page 4
cally. “I hope to get the cooperation of
the finance staff and all other staff so we
can all work as a team. I want to be
accepted as part of a team and be
allowed to play. Team players depend
on each other to win. I hope that we
can all play our part as best as we can,
that you will assist me to do the best
that I can for IRRI.”
Born in Ghana, Kwame holds a BSc
in business administration from the
University of Ghana and is a chartered
ment, the barangay council in future will
seek IRRI assistance in installing waste
stands and using of dump trucks. The
council will also pilot test waste segregation
in one of its puroks. It will also
seek IRRI assistance on first aide training
and seminar on peace and order for
barangay tanods (police) and selected
constituents. The officials expressed
their gratitude to IRRI for extending
assistance to Barangay Bayog.
certified accountant from South West
London College, London. In addition to
being Director for Finance and Administration
at ICRISAT, he has had similar
responsibilities at WARDA.
Kwame and his wife, Amma Serwa,
have three children. A son, KB, and a
daughter, Abena, are enrolled at Nova
Southeastern University (Shepard Law
School) and Ohio State University
(Fischer Business School), respectively;
a younger son, Yao-Mandela, attends the
international school in Cote d’Ivoire.
October 2002 7

. . . IRRI releases from page 1
A Sandiwa interview with a number of retrenched staff and those who voluntarily availed
of the <strong>package</strong> viewed the <strong>retrenchment</strong> program in a positive way.
“I look at the <strong>retrenchment</strong> process
as a very systematic way of dealing
with the mechanics of the <strong>retrenchment</strong>
program. I feel that it is a
simple process in the end because
there was no major difficulty that
upset or disturbed the process
although there were some who
were not satisfied with the <strong>package</strong>.
“The <strong>retrenchment</strong> process is
another way of life where money is
given in advance for us to look for
other opportunities. I hope IRRI will
open its doors for retrenched
<strong>employees</strong> who want to come back
and work. I also hope that the
retrenched staff will rekindle the
past camaraderie because I always
believe that no man is an island. I
also look forward to a more
interesting 2003 for the retrenched
and remaining staff of IRRI,” said
Senior NRS Scientist Alberto “Bert”
Barrion who worked for the
institute for 26 years.
Imelda “Ting” B. Drahovsky, a
former research technician with the
Agricultural Engineering Unit for 24
years, said: “I love IRRI and I’m both
sad and happy at leaving. I am sad
because all my previous bosses and
officemates were nice. At the same
time, I’m happy because I’ll be joining
my husband in the United States. I’ll
be back from time to time.”
Research technician Beth
average of 1% among developing
countries and 2-3% among
developed countries.
7. While rice continues to be
favored compared with other
commodities in terms of
research expenditure allocation,
its development has been
affected by weaknesses in the
Datoon, who worked for 11 years at
EPPD, viewed the <strong>retrenchment</strong>
program as both an “opportunity and
a blessing.” She said there were “lots
of things to learn at IRRI especially in
the use of computers and other
facilities. Friends made my stay at IRRI
happy.”
“Nag-avail ako nang magbago
naman ang takbo ng buhay ko. Hindi na
masaya sa IRRI. Pahinga muna ako,” (I
availed so that my life will change. It’s
no longer enjoyable at IRRI. I’ll rest
for a while.), said 11-year IRRI driver
Reynaldo Martinez.
“The <strong>retrenchment</strong> program was
a painful process although my almost
five-year stint with IRRI was very
fruitful as I learned lots of things as a
researcher with EPPD. The presence
of a nonsectoral organization like The
Rice Eyes Camera Club made my stay
at IRRI happy,” claimed Judy O.
Manalo.
“I volunteered because of the
good offer of the <strong>retrenchment</strong>
program. This will give me an opportunity
to open up a business and hire
labor because I am a rice farmer
myself,” said Vicente Oruga who
worked for IRRI as a research
technician for 19 years.
According to many of those
interviewed, IRRI has been a part of
their lives and daily routine for so
long. Some of the <strong>employees</strong> said that
institutional framework of the
research system including its
linkage with extension.
8. There is a drastic slowdown in
growth of irrigated areas—only
0.68% per annum in 1987-96 to
3.38% per annum in 1977-86.
Likewise, inefficiencies of
current national irrigation
systems is caused by faulty
IRRI was their first employer—they
started as student assistants or emergency
<strong>employees</strong> and were later
regularized. The average length of
service of staff who were included in
the <strong>retrenchment</strong> was 19 years.
“Today is just the beginning of the
rest of my life.” thus, said Ella Castro,
formerly of VIS, who worked at IRRI for
25 years. “Magagawa ko na ang iba kong
gustong gawin tulad ng pagta-travel o page-employ.
I’d like to go into business books,
magtayo ng DayCare Center, devote part
of my time to a home for the aged, kasi
ang mga matatanda gusto nila ng somebody
who cares for them. In everything I do,
I always give my 101%”, she added.
“Babalik ako dito…hindi ko
tatalikuran ang IRRI dahil malaki ang
utang na loob ko dito,” said Grant Leceta,
former graphic designer of CPS. He
started in IRRI as a student assistant
and became a regular employee in 1994.
“Focus ang sarili ko sa trabaho noon at
talagang nag-gain ako ng knowledge sa
training ko sa IRRI. Dun’ sa natanggap
kong payment, nakabili ako ng kotse tapos
40% noon ay sa savings. Ngayon nagtatrabaho
na ako sa Asian Development
Bank (ADB).”
Mr. Joel Macabenta, who spent 3
years at PBGB, said “Isi-save ko muna
habang naghahanap ng trabaho, actually
nagpapagawa ako ng bahay; yung nakuha
ko…gagamitin ko sa pagpapagawa ng
bahay”.
design and failure to put in place
a more effective operation and
maintenance mechanism.
Further increases in rice production
hinges on the sustained investment in
research and extension, development of
irrigation, and appropriate and more
sustainable of use of inputs, particularly,
fertilizer.
8 October 2002

One hundred thirty residents of Barangay San Isidro in Bay, Laguna were benefi
ciaries of the eighth medical mission conducted by the IRRI Community Projects
on 29 August.
Barangay San Isidro medical mission helps 130 patients
Blood sugar determination was
conducted on 128 patients while 84
underwent electrocardiogram test. For the
first time, the Ankle and Brachial Index
(ABI) examination was done on 24
patients courtesy of the Yamanouchi, Inc.,
Retrenced from page 1 . . .
to be interviewed, writing CVs, financial
planning and budgeting, livelihood program,
SSS/PAG-IBIG/PhilHealth seminars, and
investment options and job fairs; and Phase 3
consisted of counseling sessions.
“These training programs were designed
and conducted in phases to help transition
retrenched staff to the next stage of their life,
outside of IRRI,” said Fe Aglipay, HRS-NRS
Manager. “We hope that the programs were
helpful for our staff.”
Lilian Mendoza, HRS-ER manager, said,
“These programs aim to enhance and boost
self-esteem, develop personal skills, and
provide departing staff with a range of
options for investment, business, or personal
renewal.”
Some of the programs will be continued
this year and next year, such as the livelihood
training programs, the information desk, and
the posting and updating of job vacancies
announcements on the Harrar Hall bulletin
board, electronic bulletin, 2002 <strong>retrenchment</strong>
folder, and other IRRI electronic public
folders, which will run until December. Hard
copies were given to administrative coordinators
and division secretaries for those with no
computer access.
About 70 retrenched staff participated in
15 classes on livelihood programs from July
to September that featured meat processing (4
classes), fruit juice/puree making (1 class),
flower/balloon arrangement (2 classes),
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
a pharmaceutical firm. ABI is a Doppler
screening method used for checking
nerve obstructions in diabetic patients.
Medical consultation, blood typing,
and cholesterol tests were the other
services provided during the medical
scented candle making (2 classes), baking (2
classes), basic bonsai making (1 class), hair
trimming and dyeing (1 class), reflexology (1
class), and soap making (1).
The HRS-ER also invited different
organizations, agencies, and companies in a
Job/Networking/Franchising/Other Career
Options Fair on September 12 at Umali Hall.
Sixteen companies joined, namely, Grand
Hunter Club, Fiorgelato Ice Cream, Post
Harvest, Triumph, Boardwalk, Spa Business,
Refilling Station, Avon, Tupperware, Forever
Living, First Quandrant Philippines Inc.,
Philam Insurance, Citilife Insurance Agency,
Jun Encarnacion Salon, Lifestyle, and E. Excel
International.
“These organizations, agencies, and
companies were invited to network and
speak about their organizations to IRRI
<strong>employees</strong> who are considering a possible
career shift or would want to explore career/
business opportunities outside of IRRI.
“These organizations are either looking
for Filipino scientists or workers to fill in
their recruitment needs or simply want to
establish contact with IRRI <strong>employees</strong> to
provide possible business or additional
income opportunities,” Mrs. Mendoza said.
For the Job and Other Career Options
and Investment Opportunity Fairs, a
committee evaluated various proposals and
helped in the implementation of the
program. Lori Dagdag, Jojo Guce, Jojo
Abengania, Ato Reaño, Joan Belsonda, Kathy
mission held at the San Isidro Health
Center and Barangay Hall.
Dr. Licinius Gonzales of IRRI’s Safety
and Security Services led the medical
mission together with Cris Dawinan and
Lito Platon. VIS interns Marineil Alilei A.
Bonot and Cristy Abila from Batangas
State University, and Food and Housing
Services interns Mary Grace Castro and
Annabelle Javier from the Laguna State
Polytechnic College assisted them.
The medical mission was undertaken by
the IRRI Community Projects at a total
cost of P86,150 in cooperation with 12
health workers from Barangays Paciano
Rizal, Tranca, Puypuy, Sta. Cruz, and San
Isidro, the Laguna chapter of the Philippine
Association of Medical Technologists,
and medical representatives Vivian Cada
of Novartis and Sherlene Mendoza of
Pfizer Philippines.
Lopez, and Lilian Mendoza comprised the
committee.
The HRS-ER also engaged the services of
a holistic psychologist with 18 years of
experience in all areas of psychology-clinical
and mental, social and community, industrial
and corporate, educational and developmentto
conduct an individual/group counseling
session for IRRI staff who needed help in
articulating their professional and personal
concerns. Both retrenched and retained staff
availed of the counseling service on 17-18
September.
Representatives from the Cooperative
Development Authority were also invited to
conduct an orientation program on 10
September on how to set up a cooperative.
Rules and regulations, requirements, procedures,
successes and failures, and other needto-know
about cooperatives were discussed
for some <strong>employees</strong> who were considering
putting up a cooperative as an alternative
career.
Fourteen banks, insurance companies,
and other financial groups were also invited
to offer investment opportunities to those
contemplating on best investment options.
Pacific Plans, Insular Life, Philam, PAG-IBIG,
National Housing Authority, National Life,
Legacy Financial Group, Rizal Commercial
and Banking Corporation, Bank of the
Philippine Islands Family Bank, BPI Savings,
LandBank, Standard Chartered, PS Bank, and
Philippine National Bank participated.
October 2002 9

Most buildings at IRRI carry someone’s name
but do you know why names such as Drilon,
Hemmi, and Lampe are closely associated with
IRRI’s past? Here is a quick review of the 11
people, all men, who have had IRRI buildings
named after them:
● Dr. Richard B. Bradfield was Agronomist/Head
of Multiple Cropping Dept., 1964-1971. The
IRRI medical clinic bears his name. This
building formerly housed the Multiple
Cropping Department. He was an
Agronomist from Cornell University and was
hired by the Rockefeller Foundation in 1955
to survey existing educational and research
organizations of Asia where funds could be
invested. In 1959, Dr. Bradfield, along with
Dr. L. B. Uichanco, Dean of the UP College of
Agriculture (UPCA) recommended that
IRRI’s buildings be constructed on Higamot
Hill, an area adjacent to the Experimental
Farm of the College of Agriculture.
● Dr. Nyle C. Brady was IRRI’s third DG, from
1973 to 1981. Dr. Brady is noted for his
“quiet and persistent diplomacy” as he was
able to forge cooperative relations between
IRRI and rice scientists from China. He
returned to IRRI briefly in 2000, at the time
of the 40th anniversary celebrations. Brady
Hall, the building named after him, used to be
called Rice Genetic Resources Laboratory.
● Dr. Robert F. Chandler was IRRI’s first DG,
and served from 1960 to 1972. His was the
longest term as IRRI Director General. It
was under his leadership that IRRI was
nurtured to develop into a world-class
institution to which rice growing nations
could turn for assistance in rice research and
training. The first semi-dwarf rice varieties
were developed by IRRI in the 1960s. IR8
was released in 1966. He later served as DG
at AVRDC and is the only past IRRI DG who
is no longer living. He died in 1999, at the age
of 91. Chandler Hall used to be the
Administration Building as it housed the
administrative, and finance offices before. The
Office of Information Services, now CPS, used
to be in that building too, occupying the end
portion. The only original occupant of this
building that has not moved on is the Library.
● Dr. Jose D. Drilon was Executive Officer, 1960-
1971 and was appointed Secretary of the
Board of Trustees for the duration of his stay
at IRRI. As Executive Officer, he was
responsible for all nonscientific operations:
personnel, buildings and grounds, cafeteria
and dormitory services, security, motor pool,
etc. This position no longer exists but is
equivalent to Director for Administration and
What’s in a Name?
by Carmelita S. Austria, Mila M. Ramos, and Ian Wallace
Human Resources. Capt. Drilon was noted for
his diplomacy, the ability to take quick, decisive
action and, also, for his good organizational skills,
which contributed greatly to IRRI’s smooth
operations. The Drilon Building is also known as
the Ladies’ Dormitory.
● Dr. J. George Harrar, from the Rockefeller
Foundation, was one of IRRI’s “founding fathers”.
He was the first BOT Chairman, 1960-1963. He
provided leadership to the Rockefeller
Foundation’s Agricultural Program in Mexico,
which gave proof that a food-deficit country
could be transformed into a productive one
through intensive research and training. He and
Warren Weaver, Director of the Rockefeller
Foundation’s Division of Natural Sciences and
Agriculture, presented the main arguments for
the establishment of the International Rice
Research Institute in Asia before the Board of
Trustees of the Foundation in October 1954.
● Dr. Kenzo Hemmi, from Japan, was the first Asian
BOT Chair. He served from 1984 to 1988. During
this period, he worked hard to secure funding
for a facility to house IRRI’s biofertilizer
germplasm. The building, which was named after
him in 1992, houses IRRI’s biofertilizer germplasm
collection, the Analytical Services Laboratories,
and the Soil and Water Sciences Division. This
building and Brady Hall were built largely through
funds donated by the Japanese government. Dr.
Hemmi is currently Professor Emeritus of the
University of Tokyo and a member of the
International Advisory Committee of the
International Food Policy Research Institute.
● Dr. Forrest F. Hill, came from the Ford Foundation,
and was IRRI’s other “founding father”. He was
appointed as a BOT Trustee in 1960-62 and was
the longest serving BOT Chairman, from 1963
to 1978. Later he was named Trustee Emeritus,
from 1980 to 1982. Dr. Hill, as a trustee of the
Ford Foundation, was among the first to voice
out the concern for the worsening world food
outlook. He, together with Dr. Harrar, surveyed
the agricultural needs of developing countries,
which resulted in the realization that the amount
and quality of rice research in Asia were
inadequate and eventually in the creation of IRRI.
● Dr. Gurdev S. Khush, Plant Breeder from 1967-
2002, recently retired. He made significant
contributions to the improvement of rice,
particularly in multiple insect and disease
resistance. He played a major role in the
development of IR26, IR28, IR29, IR30, IR32, IR34,
IR36, IR38, IR40 and IR42. He has <strong>receive</strong>d
several prestigious awards such as the Borlaug
Award; the World Food Prize; and the Rank Prize
for Nutrition. He shared the Japan Prize with Mr.
H.M. Beachell for their roles in the development
of improved semidwarf varieties that launched
the Green Revolution in rice farming. The
Khush Hall is also called the Collaborators’
Center, being the home of several
international Centers: CIAT, CIMMYT,
ICLARM, ILRI, INIBAP, ISAAA, and ISNAR.
● Dr. Klaus Lampe, a German, was IRRI’s fifth
DG, 1988-1995. He is known for his longterm
vision and leadership in rice research;
and his consistent efforts in strengthening
partnerships and sharing leadership
responsibilities with the national agricultural
research systems of developing countries. It
was during his term that several new buildings
were added to IRRI’s landscape.
● Dr. Monkombu S. Swaminathan was IRRI’s first
Asian DG, from 1982-1988. He is recognized
for his role in strengthening IRRI as a source
of knowledge and expertise to further
agricultural science, his support in the
establishment of the Philippine Rice Research
Institute, the initiation of Technology Transfer
Workshops for the exchange of ideas and
information between the Philippine
Department of Agriculture and IRRI, and the
expansion of IRRI’s capacity for upstream
research to bring the fruits of recent advances
in science and technology to Asian rice
farmers. The building that carries his name
was previously known as the Training and
Technology Transfer Center.
● Dr. Dioscoro L. Umali was Liaison Scientist
(Consultant), China, 1983-1992. Through his
leadership as head of UPCA’s Rice and Maize
Research Program and later as
Dean of the College, Dr. Umali facilitated the
establishment of IRRI in Los Baños and
encouraged multidisciplinary research in rice;
he was an academician, scientist, educator,
research organizer, development
administrator, and science statesman. He
played a major role in strengthening the
collaboration between China and IRRI. The
building named after him houses the
Entomology, Plant Pathology division,
Biometrics, and other units.
● Summing up, five buildings have been named
for Americans, two for Filipinos, two for
Indians, and one each for citizens of Germany
and Japan.
References:
Chandler, RF. 1982. An adventure in applied science : a
history of the International Rice Research
Institute. Los Baños, Laguna: IRRI.
Facts about cooperation: Japan and IRRI. 993.Los Baños,
Laguna: IRRI.
IFPRI 2020: Vision for food, agriculture, and the
environment. Washington, D.C.: IFPRI, 2001?
http://www.ifpri.cgiar.org/2020/iac.htm
10 October 2002

AISAS holds Sama-sama Together sa September
The Association of IRRI Secretaries and Administrative Staff (AISAS) held its gettogether
Sama-sama Together sa September at the IRRI Club. The activity on 26
September celebrated AISAS’ 18th anniversary, honored its presidents and members
who will be leaving IRRI, and promoted camaraderie among AISANs.
The activity was attended by 13 of
its past presidents: Leila Herbano, 1999;
Nida Reyes, 1997 & 1998; Ella Castro,
1994; Hedda Rada, 1993; Vicky
Sebastian, founding president, 1985;
Cely Carretas, 1989; Eves Reyes, 1992;
(standing from left to right) Ella
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
Figueroa, 1995; Margaret Ann Jingco,
2000; Cecille Salonga, 1996; Percy
Mappatao, 1990; Sylvia Arellano,
1991; current president Nelie de los
Reyes; and Linda Gabriel, 1987. Other
presidents not present were Fely
Almasan, 1986; Angie Silva, 1988; and
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
The Society of IRRI NonResearch Professionals honored its members who are
leaving IRRI for various reasons in a simple get-together held at the Harrar Hall
Seminar Room last 25 September. Organized by the board, the activity was the
second general assembly held this year and was attended by about 30 members and
friends.
Chelo Abrenilla, 2001.
The celebration featured a photo
exhibit of AISAS activities and a list of
officers for the last 18 years. On display
were pins and banners of AISAS and the
IRRI Secretaries Association (ISA); photos
of annual inductions of new officers,
Valentine sales, fellowship nights with the
bosses, sports fest, tree-planting, walkers
club, fund raising activities, and other
memorabilia.
The AISANs also honored departing
members Ella Castro, Lita Dilag, Lita
Katimbang, Pinky Gallivo, Meds Bondad,
Mayette Nadal, and Remy Vivas. Other
members who were honored but were
not able to attend are Charo Medalla and
Divine Marinay. Photos of AISANs signed
by well-wishers were given as tokens to
all the presidents and departing members.
Once more, AISAns were able to enjoy
the fellowship as they ate, danced, sang,
and viewed some slides courtesy of Eves
Reyes. It was really a night to remember.
The AISAS Board of Governors and
Building Representatives 2002 wish to
thank all those who have contributed to
the success of the event.
SINoP calls for support for rebuilding in the workplace
SINoP President Kathy Lopez
thanked all the members for supporting
the organization’s projects in the
last four years. She urged all the
members—both those leaving and
those who will be left behind to look
forward to new beginnings in their
lives—at IRRI or outside of IRRI. She
reminded the remaining staff to
support the Institute’s efforts at
rebuilding and to contribute to enhancing
the institutional well-being and
vigor.
As a sign of thanks, departing staff
were given tokens by the organization.
A few of the departing members were
charter members and had served as
Computer donations from IRRI
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
donated five used computers for use by the
Department of Horticulture, University of the
philippines Los Baños (UPLB). engineer noel
Palacpac of the UPLB Central Experiment
Station is hown receiving coputer keyboard
from Duncan Maintosh, Head, Visitors and
Information Services, symbolic of the IRRI
Donation. The institute also donated 10 used
compters each to the San Antonio National
High School in Bay and to the municipal
government of Los Baños, Laguna.
officers or board members of SINoP.
SINoP was established in 1998 to
work for the interest of the nonresearch
professional sector at IRRI. The organization
has almost a hundred members,
and about one-fifth have left IRRI at the
end of September.
October 2002 11

Community Bulletin Board
New publications of general interest
Food for all: the need for a new agriculture by John Madeley.
Zed Books, 2002. 191 p. Paperback, call number S482.M34
2002.
The author outlines the ideas and changes that could offer
viable livelihoods to resource-poor farmers and food for the
hungry : sustainable agriculture, low-external input agriculture,
organic food production, reintegration of traditional
farming techniques.
Investing in knowledge capital: management imperatives by
Shantha Liyanage & Alan J. Jones. Singapore Institute of
Management, 2002. 269 p. hardcover, call number HD30.2.L59
2002.
This book offers the reader insight into innovation processes
that occur in a different socio-economic milieu. The
authors argue that the appropriation of knowledge is best
attempted through deconstructing the common, specialized,
and background aspects of knowledge.
Rice almanac. 3rd ed. IRRI, 2002. 253 p. Hardcover, Call
number reference SB207.M6A45.
A standard handbook containing general information as
well as statistical data about rice.
How to use biotechnology abstracts: agricultural and
environmental (BAAE). IRRI Library and Documentation
Service, 2002. (Information sheet no. 2002-02).
Using the rice bibliography CD-ROM: simple search options.
IRRI Library and Documentation Service, 2002. (Information
sheet no. 2002-03).
Table of Contents (TOC) Alerts
(For titles not included in the Library’s journal subscriptions
list)
European Journal of Plant Pathology , v. 108, no. 6, July 2002
Food chemistry, v. 79, no. 1, Oct. 2002
Food Research International, v.35, no. 8, 2002
Journal of Insect Physiology, v. 48, no. 8, Aug. 2002
Nature Reviews Genetics, v.3, no.9, September 2002
Postharvest Biology and Technology, v. 26, no. 1, August
2002
Technological Forecasting and Social Change, v. 69, no. 7,
September 2002
(For hard or electronic copies of the information sheets or
TOCs, pls. call Consie at loc. 515)
UPLB Loyalty Day celebration
IRRI will participate in the foot and float parade in celebration
of the UPLB Alumni Homecoming and Loyalty Day on 13
October. Trophies will be awarded to the most symbolic, most
colorful, and liveliest foot contingents.
Use the Community Bulletin Board to publicize an event, make an announcement, send
personal greetings, buy and sell. Please submit your notice no later than a week before the
end of the month, to appear in the following month’s Sandiwa. E-mail Sandiwa@irri.cgiar.org
or call Johnny Goloyugo (x6824) or Peter Fredenburg (x401).
Driver’s license renewal
The driver’s licenses of the following are due for renewal on 18
October: Salvador T. Zaragoza, Jr., Teodoro G. Carreon, Semanti
Datta, Ernesto S. Regulacion, Paul Belder, Sylvia R. Arellano,
Ruben G. Chavez, Elma N. Nicolas, Evangeline G. Gonzales,
Florecio R. Balenson, and Rogelio R. Quintos. Renewal forms
are available in the IRRI forms folder in Microsoft Outlook.
Please Contact Lito Cabral of Transport Services, ext. 230, for
inquiries.
Performance appraisal 2002
At the beginning of the year it was decided to reserve the week
of 11-15 November 2002 for performance appraisal of NRS.
IRS performance review is scheduled for 25-29 November.
Please refer to the Important Events in 2002 information
sheet distributed to all IRRI staff earlier this year.
Please return your completed performance appraisal forms
as follows:
Staff groups Return completed forms to: Due date
NRS HR-National Staff 22 November 2002
(c/o Mrs Fe V. Aglipay)
Liaison Scientists IPMO (c/o Dr Mark A. Bell) 22 November 2002
IRS, IRF (AS) HR-International Staff 6 December 2002
(c/o Mrs Selene M. Ocampo)
PDF HR-International Staff 6 December 2002
(c/o Mrs Nida E. Reyes)
Genetic Resource Center Transfer
Starting immediately the Genetic Resource Center (GRC),
headed by Dr. Ruaraidh Sackville-Hamiliton, will be transferred
from the office of the Deputy Director General for Partnerships
to the office of the Deputy Director General for Research. This
transfer also includes the INGER coordinator, Dr. Edwin Javier
and the INGER operations, the Director General, Ronald P.
Cantrell, announced on 3 October.
New names for EDR and IRRI dorms
IRRI Management has approved several name changes: The
Executive Dining Room (EDR) is now known as the IRRI
Dining Room while (IRRI) Dorm I, II, and others are now called
(IRRI) Residence I, II, and others. "Executive Dining Room" is
not entirely accurate as "executives" are not the only ones
enjoying the fine cuisine in this facility. Therefore, "IRRI Dining
Room" is preferred, according to Ian Wallace, Director for
Administration and Human Resources. "As for the IRRI dorms,
this term is also inaccurate and has led to several misunderstandings
this year. IRRI Residences will be the new name," Mr.
Wallace said. "I hope that these name changes will be welcomed
and quickly adopted by all at IRRI," he said.
12 October 2002