What is IIRR about?
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.
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
