29 October 2015 - Dr. Robert Stewart Zeigler, outgoing Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), was awarded the Order of Sikatuna, Grand Cross (Rank of Datu), Gold Distinction (Katangiang Ginto) by Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Jesus I. Yabes, on behalf of President Benigno S. Aquino III.

Acting Secretary Yabes cited that the conferment of the presidential award on Dr. Zeigler is in recognition and tribute to his extraordinary service in nurturing IRRI’s special relations with the Philippines in the 17 years of his residency in the country. During this period, particularly in the last decade as DG and CEO, the nation benefitted significantly. IRRI projects undertaken and completed under Dr. Zeigler’s term contributed to the country’s long-term food security, rice yield growth and rise in incomes and productivity of Filipino farmers. Equally significant was Dr. Zeigler’s sustained advocacy for farmers’ rights and welfare which helped improve the lives of rural communities.

Moreover, IRRI assisted the Philippines in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda through the turn-over to Leyte and Samar of 13 tons of high-yielding rice seeds and, at present, is extensively involved in the country’s Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP).

Dr. Zeigler is a plant pathologist who also has extensive knowledge and experience in plant breeding, forest ecology, and soil science. He also obtained distinction in the fields of agricultural research, development management and governance.

IRRI, which was founded in 1960, has its headquarters in the Philippines. It has 17 country offices in Asia and Africa and operations in 25 nations. IRRI, which is a global, independent, non-profit research and training institute, carries out programs to reduce poverty and hunger through rice science; improve rice farmers and consumers’ health and welfare; and promote sustainable use of the rice-growing environment.

The Order of Sikatuna is a diplomatic merit for exceptional and meritorious contributions to the Philippines conferred on diplomats, officials, and nationals for fostering, developing, and strengthening relations with the country.

The Gold Distinction (Katangiang Ginto) is the highest distinction under the Rank of Grand Cross (Datu), awarded exclusively to crown princes, vice presidents, senate presidents, house speakers, chief justices, foreign ministers or other cabinet officials, ambassadors, undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, or other individuals of similar or equivalent rank. END