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50th Year Celebration of IIRR Launched
(SILANG, Cavite, Philippines - April 30, 2010) - The IIRR family, staff and IIRR friends, gathered last April 30, 2010 to launch the institute’s 50th year celebration. The launching or kick-off event is a tribute to its founder Dr. YC James Yen and to those who have devoted their lives to advance the vision and mission of the rural reconstruction movement for the past 50 years.
Dr. Julian Gonsalves, Senior Program Advisor of IIRR gave the welcome address wherein he recalled the work of Dr. Yen and how he touched the lives of the rural communities. Marissa Espineli, Manager of Education and Training of the institute gave the “Pagbabalik Tanaw” (Looking Back) on the 50 years of IIRR’s work. She shared accomplishments and emphasized that each decade has its own distinct character.
The simple program was highlighted by emotional and lively testimonials from IIRR’s local partners. Mr. Efren Patam, a Board member of Pagpapaunlad ng Mamamayan sa Nayon (PAMANA), recalled how IIRR facilitated the establishment of the cooperative federation and the “handholding” approach that successfully worked to sustain PAMANA. Mr. Elias Piano, one of the farmer leaders IIRR trained, enthusiastically shared how his knowledge and skills broadened after he has been sent by IIRR to be trained abroad. Currently a Board member of Cavite Farmers Feedmilling and Marketing Cooperative (CAFFMACO), Mr. Max Ditangan, expressed great gratitude to the institute for its support, both technical and financial resource, to capacitate CAFFMACO. Finally, Mr. Ricardo Dayrit shared his interactions with Dr. Yen and how he has been inspired by his wisdom. “Go to the people…..they know what to do…learn from them.”
A slide presentation of IIRR’s work in Asia and Africa was also viewed by the guests. The short program ended with a closing remark given by Emily Monville Oro, Officer in charge of the Regional Center for Asia, thanking everyone for joining IIRR for the past 50 years of its rural reconstruction work and urging to continue to be IIRR’s partners in learning and sustainable development. Re-commitment to IIRR’s vision and mission was done through the singing of Credo.
The program was followed by a solemn ceremony of flower offering at the sanctum or Dr. Yen memorial. One by one, members of the IIRR family offered prayers and flowers to the Man behind the IIRR. The Yen Museum was also opened to the guests to showcase the work of Dr. Yen and of IIRR for the past five decades. Further recount of memories and stories continued during the refreshment time. It was truly a momentous afternoon of remembrance, celebration and pride of the fruits of 50 years of Rural Reconstruction.
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