Overall Organizing Committee

OVERALL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE: Chair

BAS BOUMAN

Research Director - Sustainable Impact through Rice-based Systems

International Rice Research Institute

Dr. Bouman is currently the Research Director of the Sustainable Impact through Rice-based Systems (SIRS) research directorate of IRRI. An internationally-recognized agricultural engineer and agro-ecologist, Dr. Bouman has over 35 years of expertise in the fields of sustainable agricultural development and food security, and over his career has held principal governance and advisory positions in various research bodies across the CGIAR Organization. As Chair of the IRC Overall Organizing Committee, Dr. Bouman supervises all key aspects of event administration and management, providing his seasoned leadership and guidance in organizing a major international scientific congress.

Co-chair

JOHN DE LEON

Co-chair

Philippine Rice Research Institute

Dr. John C. de Leon is the Executive Director of PhilRice. He has more than 30 years of experience in plant breeding and commercial seed product development, in managing public and private sector R&D, as well as in working with cross functional talents in national, international, and multinational programs or organizations. As a member of the IRC2023 Advisory Committee, Dr. de Leon provides high-level promotional support and organizational management including addressing local concerns.

Member

JOANNA KANE-POTAKA

Deputy Director General – Strategy, Engagement and Impact

International Rice Research Institute

Joanna Kane-Potaka holds the position of Deputy Director General for Strategy, Engagement, and Impact where she is tasked with leading institutional strategy development by overseeing the Regional and Country Representations; Communications and Advocacy; Portfolio Development and Management office; IRRI Technology Transfer; and IRRI Education. She has previously worked with four CGIAR centers in the past – WorldFish, Bioversity, International Water Management Institute (IWMI), and most recently at International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) where she has exemplified her leadership qualities in the field of international development. Through her years of experience in global leadership and marketing, she will be supporting the Organizing Committee with her strategic management and communication between and among the Congress’ partners locally and internationally.

Member

AJAY KOHLI

Deputy Director General – Research Delivery and Innovations

International Rice Research Institute

Dr. Kohli is the IRRI Deputy Director General for Research Delivery and Innovations, a position that involves overseeing the different research Departments and managing the quality and delivery of research activities at the institute. Dr. Kohli has over 32 years of experience and expertise in bridging upstream research to applied sciences, with a focus on developing technologies and innovations for agricultural impact, particularly in rice-based food systems. As Chair of the IRC Program Committee, Dr. Kohli leads the planning and development of the various events, programs, and activities across the 4-day conference. Much like his role at IRRI, he will also oversee the quality of the scientific content and presentations, ensuring that they align with the themes and objectives set by the congress.

Member

ALICE LABORTE

Philippine Research Coordinator, and Senior Scientist II – Geospatial Science Sustainable Impact through Rice-based Systems Department

International Rice Research Institute

Alice Laborte is a Senior Scientist, leader of the Digital and Spatial Landscape Transformation Research Unit, and the Research Coordinator for the Philippines at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). She leads an interdisciplinary team with expertise in geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, crop modeling, digital agriculture, and precision farming. Her research focuses on the use of spatial information to generate evidence, actionable information, and insights to inform policy, research prioritization, and effective targeting and scaling of innovations. She holds a Ph.D. in Production Ecology and Resource Conservation from Wageningen University, The Netherlands, a Master of Geographical Information Systems from the University of Queensland, Australia, and a Bachelor of Science in Statistics from the University of the Philippines at Los Banos.

Member

ANTHONY OBLIGADO

Head, Research Coordination Division

Philippine Department of Agriculture

- assists in the implementation of BAR-funded projects/programs on Research and Development of the Department of Agriculture - overall implementer of the Technology Commercialization Program of DA-BAR, a priority program of the DA which promotes/disseminates developed technologies for the utilization of farmers and fisherfolk - overall implementer of the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) Program which develops and commercializes technologies to transform the agriculture sector from resource-based to technology-based intervention

Member

LOTTE PANG

Managing Director, Communications and Outreach

CGIAR

Lotte Pang is Managing Director, Communications and Outreach, CGIAR, and based in Rome. She is an experienced communications professional with extensive global experience. She has, most recently, advised and provided coaching to a number of organizations, including McKinsey & Company and the World Bank Group, while based in France.

Member

ALVIN PONCIN

Chief of Staff, and Head of Portfolio Development and Management Office

International Rice Research Institute

AJ Poncin is IRRI’s Chief of Staff and the Head of its Portfolio Development and Management Office. In his role as Chief of Staff, he is a Strategic Advisor to the Director General and acts as the institute's liaison to IRRI’s Board of Trustees. As Head of the Portfolio Development and Management Office, he oversees strategic partnership engagement, proposal development, and grant management. Prior to working at IRRI, Mr. Poncin was the Head of Portfolio Management at the International Water Management Institute, another member of the CGIAR that is based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Mr. Poncin will share his expertise in creating new partnerships and strengthening the existing networks, which can help achieve success for IRC2023.

Member

JOSEPH SANDRO

Assistant Scientist - Agricultural Engineering Sustainable Impact through Rice-based Systems

International Rice Research Institute

Engr. Joseph M. Sandro is an Assistant Scientist at IRRI. He has a demonstrated working experience as an expert in agricultural mechanization, postharvest, precision agriculture and agronomy over a decade. His experience in working with the local institutions and different agencies under the Department of Agriculture and the private sectors will be instrumental in his role a member of the overall advisory committee. He will also serve as a key person in helping DLG in its promotion of tradeshow to private sectors in the Philippines.

Member

MARCO VAN DEN BERG

Senior Specialist II – Chief Information Officer

International Rice Research Institute

Marco van den Berg is IRRI’s Chief Information Officer. He has extensive international experience in private and non-profit sectors and a proven track record in new technology adoption. As part of the overall organizing committee, Marco will provide his expertise to ensure that the congress is able to use the most optimal technology to deliver the best experience to its participants.

Member

CARMEL LOIS VELARDE

Financial Controller

International Rice Research Institute

Carmel Velarde is the Financial Controller of the International Rice Research Institute. She has been with the organization for five years. Prior to this role, she was the Head of the Finance Hub at the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office. As part of IRC’s Organizing Committee, Carmel oversees the budget and acts as liaison between the IRC Committee and the AADC.

Project Manager

MISHEL CICERON

Engagement Manager

International Rice Research Institute

Mishel Ciceron leads the Engagements team of IRRI. With over a decade of experience in project management and events coordination, she manages a team of specialists and ensures that IRRI’s events and engagements align with the institutional strategy, and bring value to the overall goal of IRRI. Mishel has been part of the organizing team of previous IRCs. In her role as project manager for IRC2023, she ensures that the overall requirements of the event are well-identified, carefully executed, and delivered at the most optimal time.