What is IIRR about?

About
Overview
People
Partners
The International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR)
is a non-governmental organization dedicated to advancing rural development. Through community-led approaches and collaborative partnerships. IIRR generates evidence-based knowledge, fostering learning communities and promoting scalability.
Its core focus lies in five thematic programs covering education, livelihoods, environment, food security and nutrition, and health, contributing to the improvement of community lives. As an operational research and training institution, IIRR is registered in the United States of America, headquartered in Silang, Cavite, Philippines. Operating across eastern Africa and Southeast Asia, IIRR maintains dedicated teams in Ethiopia, Uganda, South Sudan, Kenya, Zimbabwe, the Philippines, and Cambodia, emphasizing its commitment to positively impacting rural development and community well-being.

"Go to the people, learn from them, build on what they have."

Dr. Y.C. James Yen

Founder IIRR

Where we work

IIRR's Regional Centers are integral in supporting countries' programs as centers for excellence by focusing on the documentation, packaging, and sharing of valuable lessons.

Currently, there are two operational regional centers: the Africa Regional Center, which supports operations in Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, Uganda, and Zimbabwe; and the Asia Regional Center, supporting operations in the Philippines, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

These centers collectively contribute to the organization's commitment to knowledge-sharing and collaborative efforts, fostering excellence in program implementation.
The specific functions of the Regional Centers include:

Regional Programs

Emilita Oro

Asia Regional Director/ Regional Program Director

Dianne Arboleda

Manager, Global Learning Program

Myrtel Anne Valenzuela

Development Communication and Advocacy Specialist

Malaya Paller

Nutrition Advocacy Officer

Arvin Carandang

Research Project Manager, AQUADAPT

Country Programs

Emilita Oro

Country Director, Philippine Program

Magnolia Rosimo

Operations Director, Philippine Program

Darwin John Raymundo

Deputy Director for Environment Program

Maria Christy Jesusa Tacugue

Program Officer, Livelihood and Enterprise Development

Ma. Shiela Anunciado

Program Manager, Food Security and Nutrition/Food Systems

Arvin Carandang

Research Project Manager, AQUADAPT

Farah Gaud Urdelas

Learning Community Coordinator, Ivisan, Panay Program

Rico Locaba

Learning Community Coordinator, Guinayangan Quezon

Meet our Partners

Individuals