GOVPH

ASEAN Ladies Foundation, Inc. Immerses in the Wonders of Los Banos, Laguna

(Members of the ASEAN Ladies Foundation, Inc. at IRRI)

LOS BAÑOS 05 June 2024 – The ASEAN Ladies Foundation, Inc. (ALF) led by its Chairperson, Mme. Pamela Louise Manalo, undertook an immersive visit to the Municipality of Los Baños, Laguna, on 24 May 2024, in collaboration with ALF’s project partners, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), the Office of Hon. Ruth Mariano-Hernandez, Representative - 2nd District of Laguna, and the Office of Hon. Anthony Genuino, Mayor of Los Baños City, Laguna.

Colloquially known as “Elbi,” Los Baños has been home to the IRRI since 1960, earning the former the title “Special Science and Nature City” of the Philippines (through Presidential Proclamation no. 349, series of 2000). Hence, it was only fitting that the day-long trip began at the IRRI headquarters where Director-General, Dr. Yvonne Pinto, gave the ALF a brief overview of IRRI’s history, pivotal moments, and ongoing projects. This was followed by a tour of some of IRRI’s facilities. The visit provided the ALF members an opportunity to have a better understanding and appreciation of IRRI's role in alleviating poverty and hunger and achieving food security.

Highlights of the tour included a visit to the International Rice Genebank where the biggest collection of rice genetic diversity in the world is securely stored, and interaction with IRRI scientists who imparted interesting insights ranging from rice nutrition value, effects of climate change on plant growth, and ongoing efforts to achieve food and nutrition security for future generations across the globe. IRRI is the biggest and the first rice research institute of its kind in the world.

Afterwards, the ALF members were formally welcomed by Los Baños Mayor, the Honorable Anthony Genuino, his spouse, Mme. Racquel Genuino, and members of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Los Baños. The Mayor and Mrs. Genuino graciously hosted the ALF members to a sumptuous meal at their residence while enjoying a performance of Filipino Folk dances by the Bayle Los Bañense Pangkat Mananayaw. The colorful floral costumes of the local performers were truly a feast for the eyes as it depicted the vibrant culture of Laguna.

Capping off the immersion was a meet-and-greet with the women of the “Bags for Life” program of Barangay Tuntungin-Putho, Laguna and the “Laguna Water Hyacinth Handicraft Producers Association” who create stylish bags out of dried water lilies, recycled paper, and scrap materials. Through this engagement, the ALF members gained awareness and appreciation of women-led livelihood initiatives of Laguna as well as its efforts for a sustainable, renewable, and eco-friendly municipality.

As a souvenir of their immersion, the ALF members were graciously presented by Representative Mariano-Hernandez with local products to take home, such as ground coffee, banana chips and wooden coasters. The ALF committed to promote the vibrant culture, delectable cuisine and livelihood projects of Los Baños to the diplomatic community. END

Dr. Yvonne Pinto while delivering her Welcome Remarks and Overview of IRRI.

Mme. Pamela Louise Manalo Manalo, ALF Chairperson, while delivering her message and overview of ALF

Photo taken during ALF’s awarding of Certificate of Appreciation to IRRI And ALF’s awarding of Certificate of Appreciation to Rep. Ruth Mariano-Hernandez received by her Chief of Staff, Atty. Simonette Lim