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One heart, one spirit, one family 

Published by the International Rice Research Institute 

www.irri.org/sandiwa 

more photos on page 16... 

May 2006 

What’s inside 

2006 ICW ............................................................2 

Former Miss International ........................3 

Institute forges .................................................4 

Rice camp inspires ......................................6 

World class staff ............................................10 

IRRI club formally .........................................15 

IRRI is 2006 

dual meet champion 

Photo by Vic Villamayor 

A 

friendly duel between two prestigious institutions continues to forge 

close relations and camaraderie that is essential in a partnership. For 

more than 20 years now, IRRI and UPLB have been battling in the 

sports arena, with each alternately hosting the meet. This year, it is UPLB’s 

turn to host the annual dual meet. And this year, it is IRRI’s turn at the championship. 

IRRI trounced UPLB in Philippine games, swimming, and table tennis – 

in both men’s and women’s divisions. 

Institute players also dominated the executive fun run, soccer, badminton, 

and bowling (men’s). IRRI overwhelmed UPLB by 40 points, 350 points 

against UPLB’s 310 tally points (see table). 

In his remarks during the opening program, Dr. Fernando Bernardo, 

former IRRI deputy director general, 

A. Philippine ames ames 

UPLB IRRI 

Men 10 20 

Women 10 20 

B. Executive Fun Run 20 40 

C. Swimming 

D. Bowling 

Men 10 20 

Women 10 20 

Men 10 20 

Women 20 10 

E. Table Tennis 

Men 10 20 

Women 10 20 

F. Lawn Tennis 40 20 

. Soccer 20 40 

H. Volleyball 

Men 20 10 

Women 20 10 

I. Softball 40 20 

J. Basketball 40 20 

K. Badminton 20 40 

TOTAL 310 350 

highlighted the meet as a link and cooperation 

between the two institutions. 

He said, “A little esprit de corps 

can’t hurt.” Sports provide a good opportunity 

for friendly competition. 

This year’s dual meet featured additional 

events such as swimming competitions, 

Philippine games (flank walk, 

tug-of-war, and obstacle race), and the 

exhibition cheer dance. It is also the 

first time that each event winner was 

awarded a trophy. 

The dual meet kicked off last 19 May 

with bowling, table tennis, and badminton. 

All the other activities were 

packed into an eventful 20 May, with 

cheer dance being the highlight of the 

day. 

Sammy Camacho of UPLB presented 

the roving championship trophy 

during the short closing ceremony. – 

By Xyza Gene G. Aller, UPLB Intern

2006 ICW focuses on communication for impact 

Communication practitioners from 19 research and development 

institutions, government organizations, NOs, and the private 

sector came together last 24 May at SEARCA for the annual Interinstitutional 

Communication Workshop (ICW). The theme this year is 

Communication for Impact. 

Communication innovations, approaches, and technologies were 

tackled by a powercast of speakers from the various sectors sectors strategic 

communication, internal communication, research and extension, agricultural 

extension, and education. 

Rex C. Navarro, Director of Communication of IRRI’s sister center, 

the India-based International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid 

Tropics (ICRISAT), gave an overview of his institute’s innovations in agricultural 

extension and communication. 

“As technology and innovation are breathlessly trying to catch up 

with problems associated with poverty 

and food insecurity for 95 percent of the 

840 million people living in semi-arid 

tropical areas in 48 developing countries, 

one obvious answer is the VASAT – Virtual 

Academy for the Semi-Arid Tropics 

– aimed at providing innovative life-long 

learning opportunities for the poor to 

complement ICRISAT’s existing e-learning R. Navarro, ICRISAT 

initiatives.” Dr. Navarro siad. 

VASAT serves as an information hub in India’s provinces. From this 

hub, data is flown through wireless connection to the villages’ own information 

center. VASAT in West Africa is a whole new innovation. The 

place doesn’t have electricity. People there use nonbattery radios or 

manual radios that are connected to the Internet. These are affordable 

ways to achieve community learning through information centers at the 

village level. 

Dr. Navarro also cited the CIAR lobal Open Agriculture and Food 

University and the Open Academy for Philippine Agriculture (OPAPA). 

He concluded his presentation by quoting Indian President APJ 

Abdul Kalam, who said “Our farmers should interact closely with ICRISAT 

and other research institutions to absorb and adopt technologies for improving 

their income.” 

Cathy Reyes-Angus of the Asian Development 

Bank (ADB) spoke on internal 

branding and engagement. Branding is 

commonly associated with commercial 

products, so Ms. Reyes defined internal 

branding as “establishing emotional connections 

through love built on respect to 

inspire loyalty beyond reason.” 

She advocated “putting heart into C. Reyes, ADB 

your organization’s internal branding to promote employee engagement…Brand 

yourselves (by forming) an identity that will unify your 

department. United, we brand,” she said. 

All these are for employee retention and productivity. “The extent 

to which people feel proud of the place they work, see their own core 

values of honesty and trust reflected back, enjoy the atmosphere around 

them, and feel like they can survive and thrive, is no less important than 

Sandiwa May 2006 

their take-home pay or their daily tasks,” she said, quoting the Formula 

for Retention. 

President erry Josue of the Philippine Association of Communication 

Educators (PACE) discussed Communication education. PACE is a 

nationwide association of teachers in journalism, broadcasting, advertising 

and public relations, communication research, development communication, 

with Philippine Press Institute and the Kapisanan ng mga 

Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (Philippine Association of Broadcasters) tie-ups, 

among others, and involvement with the Asian Media Information and 

Communication Center (AMIC). 

“With 270 schools nationwide now offering communication 

courses, issues about the quality of education are sure to arise,” he said. 

Alarmed, Dr. Josue called for an excellent curriculum with a universal, 

Asian, and Filipino orientation and excellent linkages with concerned 

industries. 

Rogelio Cuyno, president of the Asian Institute of Journalism and 

Communication, talked about Strategic communication for impact. Strategic 

communication, he said, is all about making waves by creating an 

impact on social issues for the apathetic public to care about. 

“Impact is made when information, knowledge, and education are 

processed to reach the audience and bring about behavioral change,” 

Dr. Cuyno said. 

But one problem is that communicators stop too soon, he said. “We 

climb halfway up Mt. Everest, and then we expect the Philippine flag to 

fly its way to the top.” For communication to create an impact, it must 

elicit change. “If we remove anxiety, then we create an impact,” he said. 

In her presentation, Monina Escalada of IRRI/Leyte State University 

talked about Entertainment-education: New wine in an old bottle, an 

account of how a collaborative team of researchers from IRRI and its 

partners used radio to educate farmers to use less pesticides. The series 

consisted of 104 episodes that was aired over the local radio network in 

Vietnam. The project later became the basis for developing a radio soap 

opera project on pest management issues. This project won the World 

Bank Development Marketplace 2005 Award. 

“The radio drama on environmental issues will address farmers’ unnecessary 

use of farm chemicals, excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, 

straw burning, excessive use of water, and other environmental 

practices that they should not be practicing in the first place,” Dr. Escalada 

said. 

According to Dr. Escalada, information and communication technology 

proved effective in terms of being participatory and drawing out 

audience response. Entertainment-Education is now being used in HIV- 

AIDS prevention and drug abuse campaigns by the National Lao Radio. 

The ICW is a forum for bringing communication practitioners together 

and has been hosted by ACE Philippines since 2002. Originally 

launched by IRRI with ICLARM, the activity provided the opportunity for 

bringing communication practitioners together and forming an organization 

that could help promote their professional development. 

ACE is a US-based organization of communicators. When CPS Head 

ene Hettel was International Director, ACE started establishing affiliate 

charter country members. The Philippines is the second of three affiliate 

members organized in 2002. ACE Philippines has about 90 members 

from 24 institutions.– By Xyza Gene Aller, UPLB Intern

UPLB intern Xyza Aller (left) interviews Dr. Cris Maslog in the presence of Lily Tallafer of SEARCA. 

R. Barroga, PhilRice/ACE Philippines 

G. Josue, PACE 

Former Miss International 

vows support for IRRI 

Former Department of Tourism Secretary and 1964 Miss International 

emma Cruz Araneta vowed to support 

all the good community work of IRRI and help 

clear up misconceptions about the Institute. 

Ms. Araneta, who visited the Institute on 27 

April to interview scientists and staff, also said, “I 

want to tell the public that IRRI is actually guarding 

the traditional rice varieties of the Philippines and 

G. Cruz Araneta 

other countries.” 

The interviews were aired in Ms. Araneta’s cable television program, 

Only Gemma, on SkyCable 19 and Destiny 79 on 1 May. 

She interviewed enetic Resources Center Head Ruaraidh Sackville- 

Hamilton, Agricultural Engineering Unit Head Joe Rickman, Associate 

Scientist Ato Reaño, Farm Managers Arnold Manza and Tom Clemeno, 

Community Relations Office Manager Chat Ocampo, and Riceworld Assistant 

Manager Paul Hilario. 

“It is best to interview people who are experts in their fields and 

whose experiences are very extensive and profound. From these people, 

we can get good advice,” Ms. Araneta said. 

Prior to her visit, Ms. Araneta interviewed Deputy Director eneral 

for Operations and Support Services William Padolina on science and 


R. Cuyno, AIJC G. Hettel, CPS-IRRI 

M. Escalada, LSU/IRRI 

G. Saguiguit, SEAMEO SEARCA 

technology in her radio program, Krus na Daan (Crossroad), over radio 

station DZRJ 810 khz. 

“My impression (about IRRI) had changed after interviewing Dr. Padolina. 

That’s why I’m really anxious to go to the enebank to see all the 

grains that IRRI keeps,” she said during her visit. 

Meanwhile, seven spouses of Asian Development Bank officials, 

accompanied by Kaalalay Foundation, Inc. Executive Director Arlene 

Sanchez and John Prejillano, also visited the Institute on 27 April. 

Crissan Zeigler, Visitors and Information Services Head Duncan Macintosh, 

and Ms. Ocampo welcomed them at IRRI. 

“It is good to be here because we want to know more about local 

rice production and the many things IRRI is doing,” Indonesian race Augusthine 

Papare-Rumansara said. – By Corazon C. Lagamayo, XU-ADC 

Intern 

Ms. Araneta interviews Dr. Sackville-Hamilton inside the Genebank on rice biodiversity conservation.

Institute forges 

close relations 

with museums 

IRRI, through the Riceworld Museum and 

Learning Center, has forged a strong partnership 

with museums in Cavite, Batangas, 

Laguna, and Quezon when it hosted at headquarters 

the first Southern Luzon Association 

of Museums, Inc. (SLAM) convention on 8 May. 

The convention’s theme, Museums in 

Communities, Communities in Museums, aimed 

to promote strong consciousness in culture 

and the arts, establish linkages with national 

and regional institutions, and enhance the professionalism 

of cultural enthusiasts involved in 

museum work. Eighty-three delegates attended. 

Community Relations Office Manager 

Chat Ocampo welcomed the 83 delegates to 

the Institute, saying that the convention is a 

SLAM milestone in its five-year history. 

Convention speakers such as National 

Museum researcher Joseph Sarmiento arcia, 

and Regulus Tantoco and Ana D. Labrador of 

the University of the Philippines Diliman advocated 

the role of communities in preserving 

the Philippine cultural heritage, a view shared 

by SLAM president emeritus Conrado A. Escudero 

and incumbent president Teofilo C. Esguerra, 

Jr. 

Mr. Escudero stressed that “(museum) collection 

is not for self-glorification, but an obligation 

to preserve the cultural heritage of the 

country.” 

SLAM, Inc. is the umbrella organization 

of museums in Southern Luzon formed to 

support, promote, and encourage the preservation 

of objects with cultural and historical 

significance. – By Corazon C. Lagamayo, XU- 

ADC Intern 

Erratum 

Our deepest apologies to Director for 

Program Planning and Communication 

Mike Jackson who was inadvertently 

referred to as “Mike Johnson” in the last 

issue of Sandiwa. 

Rules out for Rice is Life writing 

contest 

Here’s a chance for high school students between 12 to 17 years old to participate in a short 

story Filipino and English writing contest on the theme, Rice is Life, being cosponsored by 

the Asia Rice Foundation (ARF) and the Alpha Phi Omega Service Sorority, in collaboration 

with the Department of Education. 

At stake are trophies and cash prizes as follows P20,000 – first prize; P10,000 – second prize; 

and P5,000 – third prize. The corresponding school will receive a plaque of appreciation. 

Here are the contest rules 

• Open to high school students enrolled during the 2006-2007 school year. 

• An entry must adhere to the following guidelines 

- Submitted by a student or a team of qualified students (maximum of 3). No more than one entry per school. 

- An entry must consist of text and illustrations, under the theme of Rice is Life, and endorsed by a school official 

(principal and/or faculty). The theme includes all aspects of rice – from production to harvesting, marketing and 

consumption, 

to rice cultural heritage like beliefs, rituals and festivals. 

- Text is written in Filipino or English, not exceeding 4,000 words, typewritten and double spaced using Times New 

Roman font size 12. 

- Illustrations may be either black and white or colored presented on a letter-size paper with one illustration per sheet. 

There’s no limit on the number of illustrations, which must be original and made by one of the team members. 

• Entry must be submitted in hard copy and in electronic file (in diskette, CD, or attached file via e-mail). 

The application form may be downloaded from www.asiarice.org. Entries must be received by the 

ARF via mail or handcarried to The Asia Rice Foundation, College 4031, Laguna; email asia_rice@ 

agri.searca.org; and Web site http//www.asiarice.org no later than 15 August 2006. 

All entries will become the property of the ARF. Winning entries will be announced on 16 

October 2006 during World Food Day. Entries that do not adhere to the above guidelines shall be 

automatically disqualified. The decision of the judges is final. 

IRRI spouses explore the Philippines 

Spouses of the IRRI Board of Trustees experienced 

a different type of tour this year 

when they visited several exciting destinations 

during their three-day trip on 5-7 April 

2006. 

Cavite and Tagaytay were the destinations 

on the first day. The first stop was in Indang, 

Cavite where they witnessed how Arengga 

vinegar was made. The product is said to be all 

natural because not even water is added to it. 

Lunch followed at Sonya’s arden, a 

restaurant inside a greenhouse, in Tagaytay. 

Sonya’s organically grows many of the vegetables 

and ingredients in its menu. 

Other destinations included the fivehectare 

flower farm and Ilog Maria honeybee 

farm within the Magsaysay family farm in 

Silang, Cavite. The latter is the biggest producer 

of honey and other bee products in the 

country. 


Shopping was the agenda on the second 

day. The spouses went to Tiendesitas, a shopping 

complex of small retail stores divided into 

villages. 

The highlight of the day was a visit to the 

cultural icons established by former First Lady 

Imelda Marcos. In Manila, they visited the Cultural 

Center of the Philippines (CCP), the institution 

for culture and the arts in the country; and 

Filipino Folk Arts Theatre, Inc., which preserves 

and promotes the cultural traditions and heritage 

of Filipinos. The spouses also traveled to 

the Coconut Palace, which was built for the visit 

of Pope John Paul II. 

On the last day, the spouses visited sites 

in Los Baños. They watched how the famous 

Lety’s Buko Pie is made and how UPLB Biotech 

produces virgin coconut oil. By Deborah Grace 

Manalili, Intern

Writing skills a must 

for scientists 

The results of scientists’ experiments do not just stay inside their 

laboratories. They have to communicate them to their clients 

and donors, either orally or in written form. 

Scientists, therefore “must develop their skills in written communication 

to become effective in sharing their research results,” 

said Training Officer Achu Arboleda during the Scientific Writing 

Workshop organized by the Training Center on 15-18 May. 

Specialist (Editorial) Tess Rola of the Communication and Publications 

Services (CPS) agreed, saying that scientists would be rendering 

good service to the research community if they have good 

writing skills. 

The other resource speakers were agronomist Vethaiya Balasubramanian 

and CPS science editor Kathy Lopez. 

Training Center Acting Head David Shires coordinated the 

training for 16 IRRI scholars from different countries. Participants included 

Mst. Mahamuda Begum, Md. Sirajul Islam, and S.M.A. Jabbar 

of Bangladesh; Lixiao Nie of China; Arvind Kumar and Venuprasad 

Ramaiah of India; Untung Susanto of Indonesia; Seyed Abdolhamid 

Angaji and hasem Mohammadi-Nejad of Iran; Joong Hyoun Chin 

and Eung i Jeong of Korea; Htay Htay Aung, Swe Zin Myint Thein, 

Kyin Kyin Win, and Su Su Win of Myanmar; and Le Thi Kim Dung of 

Vietnam. 

Aside from enhanced lectures and discussions on the basics of 

science communication, the workshop featured one-on-one consultations 

on the requirements of publishing scientific papers in international 

journals. – By Corazon C. Lagamayo, XU-ADC Intern 

Courses on experimental 

data analysis, data 

quality management 

The Crop Research Informatics Laboratory (CRIL, formerly BBU) will 

conduct a training course on Analysis of experimental data using the 

SAS System on 10-14 July. There will also be a training course on 

Introduction to data quality management on 24-28 July. 

The Analysis of experimental data training course is designed for researchers 

who do not have a skill for programming but wish to use the 

SAS System for analyzing their experimental data. The course will focus 

on reading Excel files containing the data to be analyzed, then performing 

statistical analyses of these data. There will be lectures and hands-on 

practical exercises. 

Take note that participants should be familiar with basic statistical 

methods. These include hypothesis testing and analysis of variance using 

fixed and mixed models. Participants should also be computer proficient 

Tess Rola of CPS engages participants in a lively discussion. 

Achu Arboleda of TC distributes training materials to course participants. 


and familiar with the Windows environment. It is also ideal that participants 

have experience in using at least one statistical software. 

Data is a critical factor for decision making. To manage it effectively, 

one must be aware of the effects of poor quality data on decisions. IRRI 

will greatly benefit from good data quality management. 

The Data quality management training course aims to introduce 

participants to the principles of data quality management. There is a 

wide range of practical data quality issues, so employees will have an 

edge if they know the means, methods, techniques, and technologies 

for addressing them. The course will also focus on identifying common 

data quality problems—their implications, how and why they arise, 

and how to avoid them. So at the end of the course, participants will be 

equipped with simple metrics for assessing the quality of their data. 

If you are interested in attending any of these courses, please fill out 

the respective information sheet and submit to Lou Paunlagui (CRIL) on 

or before 30 June. Those qualified to attend the course, will be taken in 

on a first-come, first-served basis. For questions about the Data quality 

management course, you may contact Thomas Metz or Isaiah Mukema. 

For inquiries about the Analysis of experimental data course, please 

contact Beng Bartolome. – By Xyza Gene G. Aller, UPLB Intern

FEATURES 

Rice Camp inspires 

future rice researchers 

Neither the heat of the sun in the rice fields nor the cold temperature 

in the genebank could stop the participants of IRRI’s firstever 

Rice Camp from learning and having fun. Selected teens 

from the Philippines and Thailand experienced their ultimate rice experience 

through a first-hand orientation on the latest in rice research and 

development. 

IRRI hosted the first Rice Camp from 24 to 28 April in collaboration 

with the Thai Rice Foundation under Royal Patronage (TRF) and the Philippine 

Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) to interest and develop a new 

generation of rice scientists and rice researchers by exposing the young 

participants to rice farming and research. 

According to Dr. Kwanchai omez of the Thai Rice Foundation, 

“This (activity) should encourage young people to go back to their 

farms.” Since most of today’s young people go into areas such as telecommunications 

or commercial enterprises, the camp was designed to 

“open young minds on the promising future of rice science and its role in 

helping rice producers and consumers worlwide.” 

The participants, aged 15-18, were selected according to their 

knowledge on rice and rice research. Nine students from Philippine 

schools and 10 from Thailand−all sons and daughters of rice farmers, 

were selected. Most of them had never participated in rice farming and 

production, a common trend among Asian families where young people 

show little interest in engaging in this kind of activity. 

The camp activities involved hands-on practicum on land preparation, 

operating tractors and machines for transplanting, plowing, and 

manual rice transplanting. Despite the heat, the participants enjoyed 

the rice field activities. 

Each participant took part in laboratory activities such as DNA extraction, 

monitoring seeds, and classifying destructive fungi. Discussions 

were also held in greenhouses and screenhouses. 

When asked, the youth preferred activities such as harvesting and 

laboratory work, although they enjoyed operating tractors and machines. 

They said that the concepts discussed in the camp could help 

farmers back home. 

Annabelle dela Vega, one of the supervising teachers, said the Rice 

Camp provided students with a good exposure and helped in nurturing 

knowledge. 

Students could also become resource speakers if they opt to 

conduct seminars and conferences in their hometowns because of the 

knowledge acquired from the program, Ms. Dela Vega added. 

The camp provided “bonding” activities, which enabled participants 

to get acquainted and share their culture with one another. 

The Rice Camp’s goal of developing a new generation of rice researchers 

or farmers from among these students has taken root. Time 

will tell if the roots hold, grow strong and develop, and the tree would 

bear fruits. – By Mara Katrina B. Escurel, UPLB Intern 


Young Filipino and Thai students learn the basics of rice farming and research in the first ever 

Rice Camp hosted by IRRI. The camp gave the students rare opportunities in hands-on farming 

and meeting new friends. 

Photo by Bogsi Panaligan

When national colors fly 

high in the campus 

How would you know when you’re in big company? Well, aside 

from being in a massive building equipped with modern laboratory 

facilities used by scientists and professional staff from around 

the world, you’d know you’re in big company by the kind of visitors they 

have. 

IRRI’s long-term commitment to working for the welfare of rice 

farmers and consumers has generated worldwide interest among international 

leaders. For the past 46 years, the Institute has been laying out 

the red carpet for world leaders and their representatives. 

On 7 February 1962, Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal, accompanied 

by First Lady Eva Macapagal and Senate 

President Ferdinand E. Marcos, inaugurated the Institute 

in the presence of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 

and other high-ranking government officials. 

Eight months later, Mexican President Adolfo 

Lopez Mateos visited on 21 October 1962 and observed 

research studies by IRRI. Not long after, on 23 

November, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands made a 

lightning visit for a 30-minute tour. 

Filipinos are known for their hospitality. When 

US President Lyndon B. Johnson visited the Philippines 

on 26 October 1966, President Marcos brought 

him to IRRI where he (President Johnson) was shown 

IR8, our first named variety. 

In April 1970, UN Secretary eneral U Thant, accompanied 

by then Philippine Secretary of Foreign 

Affairs Carlos P. Romulo, known as “Mr. United Nations,” 

also came to IRRI. 

Vice Premier Li Hsien Nien was considered as 

the highest Chinese official to ever visit the Institute 

in March 1978. Philippine First Lady Imelda R. Marcos 

accompanied him. 

On 15 October 1986, President Corazon C. 

Aquino came to IRRI to dedicate the Biotechnology 

and Seed Health Building. 

Another royalty and former Olympian, Prince 

Albert of Monaco, who later took over the reins of the 

tiny Mediterranean Monegasque principality after the 

death of his father, Prince Rainier, in 2005, visited IRRI 

on 9 November 1999. 

The Institute further enhanced its partnerships 

with two other countries during the visits of Deputy 

Prime Minister and Minister of Forests Michael Ogio of 

Papua New uinea and President Tran Duc Luong of 

Vietnam on 14 and 15 November 2001, respectively. 

To reaffirm collaboration in rice research, production, 

and training, Lao People’s Democratic Republic 

Prime Minister Boun-nhang Vorachith went to IRRI on 


30 April 2002. IRRI and Laos collaborated on the Lao PDR-IRRI Research 

and Training Project from 1990 to 1999. 

President loria Macapagal Arroyo unveiled the first modules of the 

Rice Production Training Series online during her visit on 2 August 2001. 

On 5 February 2006, the first Indian head of state, President A.P.J. 

Kalam, went to IRRI as part of his four-day state visit to the Philippines. He 

showed particular interest in rice research and technology. 

Year in and year out, thousands and thousands of visitors pass 

through IRRI, but none so outstandingly as when sirens are heard, watchful 

military intelligence people with sniffing dogs abound, government 

protocol officers are present, streamers are hung, and a country’s national 

colors wave prominently. 

That’s when you realize a head of state or a royalty is in the IRRI 

campus. – By Gladys M. Pantastico, UPLB Intern 

President Diosdado Macapagal and First Lady Eva Macapagal (2nd and 3rd from left) withMr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, 

year 1962 . 

President Ferdinand Marcos, center (in barong) with IRRI officials led by DG MS Swaminathan, year 1983 .

More than a memory, 

a living presence 

I 

read an article about motherhood which said “The young mother set 

her foot on the path of life. ‘Is this the long way?’ she asked. And the 

guide said, ‘Yes, and the way is hard. And you will be old before you 

reach the end of it. But the end will be better than the beginning.’” 

I kept on reading as the article talked about the different paths of 

life that the mother went through in raising her children. First, it talked 

about happy days when she played, sang, gathered flowers, and bathed 

her children in clear streams with lots of love. She said “Nothing will ever 

be lovelier than this.” 

Storms and rough days came when she had to protect her children 

from fear, darkness, and harm. But every day was always better than 

yesterday when she felt she had given and taught them courage and 

strength to go on. 

COMMUNITY RELATIONS 

Book donation 

helps barangay 

youths 

The Community Relations Office (CRO) 

turned over six boxes of assorted books to 

the Barangay Paciano Rizal Library and 

Learning Center in Bay, Laguna on 19 May as 

part of its outreach program. 

The books represented donations made by 

the Society of IRRI Nonresearch Professionals 

(SINOP), Association of IRRI Secretaries and 

Administrative Staff (AISA), IRRI Filipino Scientists 

Association (IFSA), Association of IRRI Research 

Technicians and Support Staff (AIRESS), the 

Rotary Club of West Bay, and Suhay, an organization 

of spouses of internationally recruited staff. 

Barangay Chair Danilo A. Lansigan lauded 

the organizations for donating books. He said, 

“Sa lahat ng organisasyon na nagtulong-tulong 

sa proyektong ito, marami pong salamat. 

Talagang malaking tulong ito para sa barangay (To all organizations that 

helped in this project, thank you very much. This is a big help to our 

barangay).” 

“Sa pamamagitan ng IRRI, mas lalo naming nagagampanan ang 

aming tungkulin sa barangay, lalo na sa mga kabataan (Through IRRI, we 

are able to perform more our responsibilities in the barangay, especially 

among the youth),” added Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) 

Chair Jeffrey A. Morales. 

Pictured at the handover of books are (from left) Oca Gonzales of AIRESS, Boy Marcelo of SINoP, Lito Platon and Chat Ocampo of 

CRO, Barangay Chair Danny Lansigan, SK Chair Jeff Morales, Edna Reyes of AISAS, SK officers, and Lyn del Rosario of AISAS. 


Days went on and the mother grew 

old. But her children were tall, strong, and 

walked with her courage. 

As a young mother of four beautiful children, 

I’m still halfway through my journey. 

But I have found joy in my life through them. 

My sons Kasra, 11, and Kurosh, 8, are both 

silver medalists for academic excellence, 

and Karissa, my 5-year-old Jollibee model 

daughter, was given a special award as the 

“most responsible” in her class. 

As mothers, we will all reach the end of 

our journeys, but what is fulfilling is when 

we see our children walking and standing alone with confidence. I salute 

all mothers post-Mothers’ Day, and urge them to always remember this 

A mother is more than a memory. She is a living presence. – By Bita S. 

Avendaño, VIS 

“IRRI is very much willing to help in the best way it can,” said CRO 

Manager Chat Ocampo. 

SINoP President Nestor Marcelo; Plant Breeding, enetics, and Biotechnology 

research technician Oscar onzalez; CRO associate Lito 

Platon; and AISAS representatives Lyn del Rosario and Edna Reyes assisted 

during the handover of donations, which started in February this year 

as a CRO outreach project. – By Corazon C. Lagamayo, XU-ADC Intern 

Photo by Cora Lagamayo

Building partnerships, 

transforming lives 

people more than what they expect, and do it cheerfully,” 

so the adage goes. 

“ive 

But for the Community Relations Office (CRO) of IRRI, it’s not 

just about giving people more than what they expect, it’s more about 

giving them what they need. Not just cheerfully, but consistently and 

tirelessly. Selflessly, even. 

That said, it is easy to understand why the CRO can be considered 

the heart of IRRI, having implemented – and still continuing to implement 

– countless community projects that not only help improve the 

lives and livelihood of residents from IRRI’s neighboring communities, 

but more importantly, empowering them. Through the efforts of the 

CRO, IRRI goes beyond its role as a research institute. 

Among the many projects which manifest this are the livelihood 

training seminars, which the CRO organized for women and the youth, 

providing them the necessary skills to earn a living. 

Recognizing that to empower means to help others help themselves, 

the CRO was also instrumental in the formation of a women’s and 

a youth organization, allowing them to take active leadership roles in 

their respective communities and to promote development. 

Medical missions, reaching as far as Barangay Bagong Silang, at the 

foot of Mt. Makiling, are regular projects sponsored by the CRO. Residents 

flock to clinics put up in their community to get free consultation 

and medicines, among other services. 

With the goal of creating and implementing projects that are sustainable, 

the CRO also helped women from Paciano Rizal to organize a 

financially successful multipurpose cooperative, organized a successful 

farmers’ cooperative training, and a rice and vegetable farming seminar, 

and provided Laguna farmers more knowledge about their chosen 

means of livelihood—proof that IRRI’s mission does not stop at rice. 

The other projects that the CRO has successfully implemented 

range from logistical support, computer and book donations, a campus 

journalism seminar for high school students from all over Laguna, emergency 

services training, to childbirth education for women – all products 

of sectoral consultations and partnerships with different government 

and nongovernment organizations, and private institutions that wished 

to help. 

With such diverse projects, one will be surprised to know that the 

CRO is run by only three personnel whose flexibility in handling the different 

projects they implement and the people they meet is as praiseworthy 

as their unwavering commitment to help the people of Laguna. 

Johnny F. oloyugo, CRO’s Information Specialist, believes that people 

need to know that IRRI is fulfilling its corporate responsibility, that it sees 

to it that beyond being a research organization, it has the social responsibility 

to reach out to communities. IRRI also contributes greatly to the 

local economy, judging by the number of people it employs and helps, 

including farmers. 

Joselito Platon, Community Relations Associate, shares that “IRRI, 

though CRO, has created a big impact on the communities because 

through projects, we are able to help the residents uplift their economic 


conditions, and change their 

perspective in life by improving 

their quality of life”. Mr. Platon 

has been with CRO since 2003. 

He mostly does the community 

organizing aspect of CRO’s projects 

by coordinating with community 

members before project 

implementation. 

Meanwhile, Charina . 

Ocampo, Community Relations 

Manager since 2003, only has big 

dreams for the CRO. “I’d like to see 

the office conduct high-impact 

projects that will really transform the lives of our neighbor communities. 

Hopefully, we can conduct a community livelihood program wherein 

people can work together to create a product which the entire community 

can earn from.” 

“The office can only do so much,” says Ms. Ocampo, considering 

that the office gets its funding from donations and nothing else. But 

despite that, the CRO is able to implement several projects every year. 

“That is why we look for partners who are also willing to share their resources 

to help implement our projects”, she adds. 

The success of CRO’s projects can be largely attributed to its strong 

partnership with the local government and barangay residents who are 

more than willing to extend assistance. Aside from strong support from 

its partners, CRO’s commitment to transform other people’s lives also 

comes from the fulfillment that each staff member gets from being part 

of the office’s endeavors. This is what fuels them to continue what they’re 

doing. 

Mr. oloyugo experiences fulfillment in being able to make people 

understand and appreciate agricultural science, especially rice science, 

and more importantly, being able to highlight IRRI and its contributions 

to society. 

Mr. Platon emphasizes the fulfillment of being able to help people 

in all aspects especially in changing their values and in seeing an improvement 

in the quality of their lives. 

To put it simply, Ms. Ocampo adds, “It’s making a positive difference 

in other people’s lives. That counts a lot.” 

Strong and dynamic partnerships, active community participation, 

dedicated and hardworking personnel--these are the ingredients 

that make IRRI’s community projects successful. With this formula, the 

people of Laguna can only expect better lives and livelihood from IRRI. 

Call it rice science with a social conscience. It is IRRI beyond rice research. 

– By Earle Chardin Rabe, XU-ADC Intern 

Support VAP 

Lito Platon, Chat Ocampo, and Johnny Goloyugo 

make up the CRO triumvirate. 

VAP helps our colleagues who badly need 

financial aid. Please contact Employee 

Relations c/o Kitchie Victoria at extension 2623 

for details about the project.

ORGANIZATIONS 

World class staff 

celebrate excellence 

The administrative staff of IRRI are viewed worldwide as world 

class, according to Director eneral Robert Zeigler. 

“You are the face of IRRI to the outside world…your contribution 

to this institution is without doubt recognized by all,” 

Dr. Zeigler said during the celebration by the Association of IRRI 

Secretaries and Administrative Staff (AISAS) of the Administrative 

Professionals Week on 23-29 April. 

Focused on this year’s theme, Creating Excellence, AISAS celebrated 

the week for the first time in the Institute in cooperation 

with the Human Resource-Employee Relations and Community 

Relations Office (CRO). 

A trailer ride for AISAns to the enetic Resources Center and 

familiarization tours in the International Rice enebank and wild 

rice screenhouse kicked off the “AISAS Hour” on 24 April. 

UP Manila clinical epidemiologist Nina Castillo-Carandang 

also gave a seminar on Cross-Cultural Management and Cross- 

Cultural Communication. 

Ms. Carandang said that people will not be able to have a 

good cross-cultural interaction if they are not proud of what they 

are. “It’s the basic requirement in understanding how culture 

varies and how people relate to the world.” 

Crissan Zeigler, wife of the director general, stressed the importance 

of a healthy spirit and body in launching the “Walk with 

AISAS” activity. 

“You have a certain know-how and incredible finesse...you 

manage to take care of 20 billion things a day…,” Ms. Zeigler read 

from the poem, To my administrative professionals, which she rendered 

as an appreciation to AISAns’ contribution to the Institute. 

AISAS members also learned diplomatic protocols and social 

graces in interacting with dignitaries and very important persons 

through Honorable Revi de Mesa of the Office of the Presidential 

Protocol during a briefing at Malacañang on 25 April. 

Foreign Service Officer Sheila Marie Tario also oriented 

AISAns on administrative procedures such as filing leaves, travel 

procedures, and records management during a separate visit to 

the Department of Foreign Affairs on 26 April. 

They also toured the facilities of the Central Bank Money 

Museum and the Metropolitan Museum to enhance their historical 

and cultural awareness. 

The association also reached out to residents of Sitio Pag-asa 

in Barangay San Antonio in Los Baños through a medical mission 

on 27 April with support from the CRO, Security and Safety Services 

Office, and the Pagmamahal sa Kapwa Foundation, Inc. 

(PSKPI). The attending doctors were Dr. Jullie Pua Ferraz and Dr. 

Jobert Apistar from IRRI, and Dr. Christopher onzales, Dr. Pamela 

Romero, Dr. Artemus F. Eusebio, Dr. Annapil Natividad, Dr. Ma. 

Serrie Suministrado, and Dr. James Web provided by PSKFI. A total 

of 249 patients benefited from the mission. 

10 Sandiwa May 2006 

A thanksgiving night party at Manguino’s Resort of Lakeshore Subdivision 

in Bay was a fitting activity to close the celebration on 28 April. 

“This is again a good bonding time for us and a celebration of the success 

of our week-long activity,” AISAS President Jenny Hernandez said. 

“It was exciting because almost all secretaries and administrative professionals 

participated in this celebration,” said Tess Santos, Vice-Chair of AISAS‘ 

Professional rowth Committee and RC Secretary. 

The worldwide Administrative Professionals Week is an International 

Association of Professionals initiative observed on the last week of April. By 

Corazon C. Lagamayo, XU-ADC Intern 

Dr. Zeigler before AISAns: Staff are viewed worldwide as world class. 

AISAns pose for this photo at DFA on 26 April after a briefing on diplomatic protocols. 

President Jenny Hernandez (left) announces the start of the Walk with AISAS activity.

Crissan Zeigler and AISAns let go of balloons before the walk. Outreach medical mission. 

“Hooray 4 AISAns” from Mrs. Zeigler. Walking for good health and camaraderie. 

A visit to the Genebank with Ruaraidh Sackville-Hamilton. At Malacañang Palace, AISans listened to Revi de Mesa talk on protocol, VIP courtesies, and social 

graces. 


11 

Photos by Edna Reyes/ George Reyes

Bringing hope to Sitio 

Pag-asa 

IRRI conducted its first medical mission for 2006, spearheaded by 

AISAS, in observance of the AISAS Week last 27 April at Sitio Pag-asa in 

Barangay San Antonio, Los Baños, a 5-minute trolley ride away. 

Sitio Pag-asa residents came for EC, cholesterol testing, and blood 

sugar testing, and medical consultation. AISAS was assisted in implementing 

the activity by Security and Safety Services and the Community 

Relations Office. 

An AISAS partner is the Pagmamahal sa Kapwa Foundation of 

Angela de Lucia de Rosas Chapel, through Norma Eusebio. Norma 

Eusebio, powered by her strong faith and prayers, testifies that “blessings 

are being showered upon the forsaken, which gives adequate – and 

sometimes abundant – resources. We never had to go out of our way 

to solicit medicines, equipment, and sponsors. They simply come,” she 

disclosed with a smile. 

The foundation supplied free medicines for the patients and provided 

five volunteer doctors, namely, Dr. Christopher onzales, Dr. Artemus 

F. Eusebio, Dr. Annapil Natividad, Dr. Pamela Romero, and Dr. Ma. Serrie 

Suministrado. Together with them were IRRI’s occupational health and 

safety consultant Dr. Jullie Pua Ferraz and clinic physician Dr. Jobert 

Apistar. Nurse Cris Dawinan guided the two medical technicians–Jesselle 

Victa and Ma. Bernadette Tobias–in carrying out the cholesterol testing, 

blood sugar testing, and EC. 

“We usually prioritize the 40-year olds and above who are cardiovascular 

patients. We target the diabetics and hypertensive patients since 

they are at high risk,” Cris Dawinan said. For Cris, medical missions are all 

for one purpose to build a harmonious and good relationship with the 

community. 

“It’s very good to know that some doctors recommend natural 

remedies instead of relying heavily on modern medicine“ he said. One 

doctor advised the mother of a sickly little girl to plant banaba or lagundi 

in their backyard. It’s herbal, affordable, and a great alternative solution 

to modern medications. 

The AISAS members who were at the medical mission were Ely 

Tabaquero, Cherry Breva, Edna Reyes, Jenny Hernandez, Frances Tesoro, 

Ana enil, and Zordy Menguito, including IRRI staff who are also members 

of the Pagmamahal sa Kapwa Foundation, Cecille Salonga, Coring Balangue, 

and Annie Evangelista, as well as CRO Assistant Lito Platon. 

Christy Mundin, the President of the Subparish of San Antonio, the 

local church, managed the smooth flow of the medical mission. Expressing 

her appreciation, she said “malaking tulong itong medical mission kasi 

yung mga hanapbuhay ng mga tao sa community ay nangangailangan 

ng lakas, tulad ng pagtutulak ng trolley at sa construction. (This medical 

mission is a big help to the community, because most people push 

trolley or do construction work for a living – which requires strength and 

good health).” 

After the mission, everyone was served a delightful meal under the 

mango trees. The fresh air carried with it light conversations, jokes, and 

laughter. There was personal satisfaction in reaching out to help others 

in need. Another mission accomplished, because for AISAS, and IRRI in 

general, bringing hope is at the heart of the institute’s mission. – by Xyza 

Gene G. Aller, UPLB Intern 


New online newsletter 

“by IFSAns for IFSAns” 

new internal commu- 

A nication medium has 

just been launched IFSA’s 

online newsletter. 

The maiden issue, 

which covered January to 

March 2006, was launched 

last 24 April 2006. It is a quarterly for IFSAns by IFSAns, and will serve as a venue 

for information updates and an expression of creativity. 

The editor-in-chief is Aileen Lapitan with Kathy Lopez, associate editor; 

Enrico Mercado, managing editor; May Ann Sallan and Jack Jacob, graphics/ 

design editors; Darlene Sanchez, news editor; Paul Hilario, features editor; Sylvia 

Avance, literary editor; Mark Nas, sports editor; Veritas Salazar, events editor; and 

Diane Martinez, trivia editor. The banner design is by Lauro Atienza, and the 

newsletter template is by ina Santos. 

The first issue featured the following articles Catching up with the presi- 

dent, by May Ann Sallan, who had an interesting chat with the young IFSA 

president; How to bag the Outstanding Scientific Achievement Award, by Aileen 

Lapitan, about the first-ever NRS to receive the Outstanding Scientific Award 

– Dr. Florencia Palis of Social Sciences Division; and The Mt. Daguldol experience 

“Too much beautiful”, by Paul Hilario about seven IFSAns’ trek to Mt. Daguldol, 

and their camping experiences. 

The Events Section lists birthdays and upcoming events, which help keep 

IFSAns up to date. There is also a special section on scholarship and training op- 

portunities for those who want to improve their skills further. 

The Literary Corner is where you will find the IFSAns’ creative juices spill- 

ing through their poems, haiku, and an IFSA interactive story. The Trivia section 

guarantees no-nonsense tips for a better lifestyle and health. And since laughter 

is the best medicine, there is also a humor page. 

The newsletter can be visited by logging on to IFSA’s share portal on the 

network. However, the newsletter still doesn’t have a name. So send in your 

entries to the naming contest and win a special prize for coming up with the 

best new name for the IFSA newsletter. – By Xyza Gene G. Aller, UPLB Intern 

Editor Johnny F. oloyugo 

Contributors Xyza ene Aller, Bita S. Avendaño, Mara Katrina B. Escurel, Corazon C. 

Lagamayo, Deborah race Manalili, ladys Pantastico, Ruth P. Ignacio, Earle Chardin Rabe 

Photography Bogsi Panaligan/Biggs Javellana 

Layout/Design Mannie Panisales 

Circulation Kitchie Victoria 

PublisherHuman Resource Services-Employee Relations 

EditorialBoard Lilian Mendoza, Kathy Lopez, Chat Ocampo 

Sandiwa is published monthly by IRRI, Human Resource Services, in cooperation with the 

Community Relations Office and the Communication and Publications Services. Sandiwa 

welcomes suggestions, comments, and contributions from readers. 

ContactEditorial 580-5600 Extension 2824, Email c/o j.goloyugo@cgiar.org

2006 Oh! Jamming Tayo a hit 

Every year, the Institute welcomes interns from various colleges and universities in the Philippines for practical training in their fields of specialization. Oh! Jamming Tayo (OJT), which started in 2005 

under the supervision of the Human Resource Services-National Staff, is a culmination of the OJTs’ summer-long stay at IRRI, with plenty of hands-on learning experiences and memories of IRRI to take 

back home. Photos show some of the highlights of the 2006 OJT night, which included a talent show and beauty competition. Beauteous UPLB coed Xyza Gene Aller, shown singing and playing an 

electric guitar, was proclaimed “Miss OJT.” 


1 

Photos by Johnny Goloyugo Photo by Bogsi Panaligan

Photo by Bogsi Panaligan 

On wellness and youth 

Don’t you want to be forever young, with your body healthy and 

your mind free of baggage? The fountain of youth is right at your 

fingertips. And it’s nowhere else but inside each and every one of 

us, said Cory Quirino, the country’s beauty and wellness guru. 

As part of SINOP week, an anniversary seminar on Wellness and selfempowerment 

was held last 17 May, with Ms. Quirino as the speaker. 

This beautiful and dynamic lady is the author of the bestselling book 

Forever Young; she has a column in the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s lifestyle 

section titled Inside Out, and she anchors a radio program, Mabeauty Po 

Naman. Not only that, she is also the Vice-President of Volunteers against 

Crime and Corruption, and a multi-awarded member and past president 

of the Rotary Club of Makati Legaspi. 

Book author and radio-TV personality Ms. Quirino talks on wellness and self-empowerment 

during SINoP’s anniversary seminar. 

On wellness, she said that everything we feel affects our body, not 

just the food we eat. What we put inside is displayed outside. “Your mentality 

and attitude toward life is reflected outwards. You will win if you 

have the mentality to win. Wellness is the harmony of body, mind, and 

spirit. So, people don’t just want a healthy body, but a well body.” Below 

are tips on how to be well provided by Ms. Quirino 

1. EAT WELL. Eat raw food first; it digests faster than the cooked one. Eat naturally 

colorful foods. Take supplements with your diet. Eat fruits 5 times a day. And when 

you’re hungry, eat coconut. 

2. DRINK WELL. Drink 10-12 glasses a day. Do not drink only when you’re thirsty. 

3. WORK WELL. Move more; exercise in your cubicles when you have a sedentary job. 

4. PLAY WELL. Know when it’s time to have fun. Don’t bring negative baggage from the 

house to the workplace, and vice versa. 

5. PRAY. The indestructible, ageless, and immortal part of you is the soul. Connect to it 

through meditation. Allow time for yourself every day. 

6. SHARE. Share your knowledge, time, energy, or even money to worthwhile causes. 

But, share only if you have enough. 

7. RELAX. Stress kills, and is the mother of all illnesses. All emotions are physically mani- 

fested. When you are feeling very negative, your body releases acid. 


On staying young, Ms. Quirino said that it is even more important to be 

aware of what ages us. She said that “aging is not caused by the number 

of years, but by losing our ideals.” Nonetheless, there are several things 

that make us age faster 

1. STRESS. Foods are either acidic or alkaline. Alkaline is better for the body. These come 

from your fruits and veggies. Acidic foods make you age faster. 

2. SUAR. It attacks the collagen of your skin. So go easy on the artificial one and go for 

nature’s desserts. 

3. SUN. Exposing yourself to sunlight means that you absorb ultraviolet rays. These 

damage and age your skin faster. Wear sunblock everyday SPF30 will do. 

4. SMOKIN. Smoking also attacks the collagen of the skin. Plus, you don’t smell fresh 

and youthful. 

5. ALCOHOL. Whether to relax, to feel comfort, or to feel better, these are no reasons 

to drink excessively. uys turn to alcohol as women turn to chocolate. Women should 

drink a maximum of 1 glass of alcohol per day, whereas men could drink 2. The 

number of glasses cannot be accumulated. 

6. ANER. Anger distorts the face muscles and drains you. It is needlessly aggravating 

for you and for others. Let go of that anger. It isn’t pretty. 

7. DEHYDRATION. Water is the elixir of life. Life cannot exist without water. Water is the 

substance of life. Life cannot exist without water. The body is comprised of over 70% 

water. This ratio must be maintained for good health. 

8. DEPRESSION. When you get depressed, you flood your body with acid. So stop being 

acidic! 

9. DEAD DREAMS. Having nothing to look forward to in life, no hopes, dreams , or aspira- 

tions, will take its toll on how you live. 

10. POOR DIET. Enough said. 

11. SADNESS. In therapy, you are only allowed 48 hours to wallow. After that, you should 

slap yourself and get over it. – By Xyza Gene Aller, UPLB Intern 

Aussie Rotarian visitors 

The Rotary Club of West Bay, whose membership is composed mostly of IRRI staff, hosted a 

luncheon at the Institute for members of the visiting Rotary Friendship Exchange team from 

Australia’s Rotary International (RI) District 9790. The team is composed of team leader Lew and 

Janiene Sandford of the Rotary Club of Shepparton, Geoff and Jennifer Kennedy of the Rotary 

Club of Healesville, and Alan and Lauri Bigg of the Rotary Club of McLaren Vale. Photo shows Paul 

Hilario (right) of the Riceworld Museum and Learning Center explaining about population 

growth and rice production beside the Population Watch during their visit to IRRI this month.

IRRI Club formally opens 

Director for Program Planning and 

Communication Mike Jackson, and 

media personality Cory Quirino 

formally opened the IRRI Club on 18 May 

as part of the 8th anniversary celebration 

of the Society of IRRI Nonresearch Professionals 

(SINoP). 

“It’s great that the Institute has invested 

in this whole facility for the benefit of all 

staff,” Dr. Jackson said as he congratulated 

SINoP. Employees should “take advantage 

of what the Institute has provided and 

thereby improve their lives, interact with 

each other, and establish great camaraderie.” 

Last year, the IRRI Club underwent 

renovations. It is now divided into three 

areas—the gym, group activity, and sports 

and recreation areas that IRRI staff and dependents 

can freely use. 

The gym has new equipment that 

are comparable to those in fitness clubs 

or commercial gyms. These include cardiovascular 

and strength equipment such 

as Star Trac Natural Runner Plus, Sport Recumbent 

Bike, Stair Climber, Nautilus Steel 

Leg Press, Windrigger Rower, Flat Utility 

Bench, and many more. 

The group activity area is for activities 

such as martial arts, aerobics, and ballroom/belly 

dancing. The sports and recreation 

area has billiard tables, pingpong 

(table tennis) tables, and a dart board. 

The club is open to anyone with 

IRRI, guest center, or Brent identification 

cards, IRRI dependents, and staff of contract 

agencies including Safeguard, LBCSI, 

Lazaga, Sallimel’s, Pila Delights, and ECDC. 

The club operates from Monday to 

Saturday. IRRI staff can use the facilities 

from Monday to Friday from 1200 noon 

to 100 P.M. and from 400 P.M. to 800 P.M. 

During weekdays, the club is also 

open to all IRRI staff dependents from 

900 A.M. to 1200 noon, while staff of contract 

agencies can use it every Monday, 

Wednesday, and Friday from 400 P.M. to 

500 P.M. During Saturdays, staff and dependents 

can use the club from 900 A.M. 

to 500 P.M. – By Ruth P. Ignacio, UPLB 

Intern 

The IRRI Club at Khush Hall formally opened on 17 May with TV personality Cory Quirino (third from left) cutting the ceremonial ribbon. 

SINoP president Boy Marcelo, Director for Program Planning and Communication Mike Jackson, and HR-Employee Relations Manager Lilian 

Mendoza (from left) assisted Ms. Quirino. 

Ms. Quirino visits the IRRI Club equipped with new facilities with Dr. Jackson after the opening ceremony. 


1


IRRI-UPLB 2006 dual meet 

Photos by Vic Villamayor

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