LOS BANOS, LAGUNA - More than 500 of the world's most renowned rice scientists and researchers will be in the Philippines from Nov. 20-23 on the occasion of the 5th International Rice Genetics Symposium.

To be held at the Isla Ballroom of the Edsa Shangri-La hotel in Mandaluyong City, the symposium will be an unprecedented opportunity for the Philippine rice industry to hear the very latest in rice research and its applications to boost rice production and ensure the country's long-term self-sufficiency in the staple crop.

Moreover, the symposium will be an occasion for local rice researchers to get to know more about the products of rice genetics research from around the world.

"The latest research on a wide range of new technologies will be presented with much of it being available in the public sector as opposed to being controlled by the private sector," said Duncan Macintosh, spokesperson for the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Baños, Laguna. "As the organizers of this very important event, our doors are open to anyone and everyone who wants to use scientific knowledge and rice research in addressing issues relating to poverty, food security and the protection of the environment," he added.

IRRI has been at the forefront of scientific research efforts to enhance quality and yield of rice while preserving the environment.

For more information on the symposium, log on to www.irri.org/rg5.