Through the Cross of Friendship medal, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic acknowledges IRRI’s contribution to the country’s development.
LOS BAÑOS, Philippines (6 February 2025) – The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) was conferred with the Cross of Friendship medal by the government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) for its “excellent work contributing to research on rice varieties” through the Prime Minister’s Decree Letter dated January 22, 2025.
Dr. Linkham Douangsavanh, Minister of the Lao PDR Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) presented the award to IRRI Director General Dr. Yvonne Pinto during the Lao PDR delegation’s visit to the IRRI headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines on February 6, 2025.
The Cross of Friendship medal is a prestigious honor awarded by the Government of Lao PDR to foreign individuals and organizations in recognition of their outstanding contributions and support to the country.
The citation also highlighted IRRI’s continuing work on testing rice quality and new rice varieties, and implementing various projects in the Lao PDR since 2011, helping foster strong relations and cooperation between the Lao PDR and the Philippines.
“We are deeply honored to receive the Cross of Friendship Medal, a testament to the strong and enduring partnership between IRRI and Lao PDR in advancing rice science for food security and sustainable agriculture. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to working alongside Lao farmers, researchers, and policymakers to strengthen food security, and support the livelihoods of farming communities across the country,” said Dr. Pinto.
Dr. Phetmanyseng Xangsayasane, interim Director General of the Lao PDR National Agricultural and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI), and Dr. Soulaphone Inthavong, Deputy Director General of the Department of Planning and Cooperation of Lao PDR MAF, were present during the awarding ceremony.
“This distinguished medal symbolizes the profound gratitude and recognition of the
Lao government for IRRI's outstanding contributions to the agricultural sector of
Lao PDR. Over the years, IRRI has been a key partner in supporting Lao PDR's
efforts to advance rice research and development, strengthen food security, and
improve rural livelihoods,” said Dr. Douangsavanh. He added that IRRI has significantly contributed to Lao PDR’s rice self-sufficiency since 2000.
In December 2024, an IRRI delegation visited Lao PDR to engage with potential donors for a project aimed at enhancing smallholder rice production and strengthening seed systems for food security and climate resilience. IRRI and Lao PDR’s strong partnership goes back to 1987 through a Memorandum of Understanding formalizing scientific and technical cooperation.