Logistics Information

Welcome to the Second International Conference on Agricultural and Rural Development (ARD) in Southeast Asia, themed Strengthening Resilience, Equity, and Integration in ASEAN Food and Agriculture Systems. This event, which is organized by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), brings together ARD experts, policymakers, government executives, private sector representatives, farmer leaders, and other important stakeholders of ARD in Southeast Asia and other parts of the world who will share their diverse knowledge and experiences on important and contemporary ARD issues.

This logistics information sheet provides important information related to the conference. We are here to ensure that your stay in the Philippines will be comfortable and productive.

Meeting Dates and Venue

The Second International Conference on Agricultural and Rural Development in Southeast Asia will be held at Makati Shangri-La, Manila, Philippines on 12-13 November 2014.

The venue of the opening and closing ceremonies and plenary sessions of ARD2014 is the Rizal Grand Ballroom (A and B) of the Makati Shangri-La, Manila. Parallel or concurrent sessions are in the following:

The Exhibit area is located at Rizal Grand Ballroom C.

Dress Code

The dress code for the workshop is smart casual or business attire.

Hotel Accommodation

The Makati Shangri-La offers a special rate of PHP 9,000.00* room/night (inclusive of breakfast buffet). For reservations at this corporate rate, please email us at ard2014@searca.org. Kindly indicate the subject: “Room reservations at Makati Shangri-La Manila for [name/s].

*For those whose accommodations will be covered by SEARCA, please note that the organizers will not be responsible for bills/receipts pertaining to laundry, telephone, salon or spa, gift shop purchases, room service, mini-bar, or any meals charged to your room.

Reservations can also be made directly with other recommended hotels:

Visa Requirements

Participants are responsible for acquiring his/her Philippine visa to enter the country. Some nationals are allowed to enter the Philippines without visas for a stay not exceeding thirty (30) days. Please check the official website of the Department of Foreign Affairs for information about visa requirements. Should you need a letter of invitation to facilitate your visa application, please email the ARD2014 Conference Secretariat at ard2014@searca.org using “VISA assistance” in the subject line. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of entry in the Philippines.

Airport/Hotel Transfers

Participants are requested to make the necessary arrangements for their transportation from the airport to their respective hotels. The accredited transport service provider for this conference is Nissan Car Lease Philippines, Inc. with the following rates to Makati – 1 Greenbelt, Glorietta, and Legaspi Village:

• Compact car (Toyota Vios, Nissan Sentra) - PHP 330
• Mid-size sedan (Toyota Innova) - PHP 850
• Van (Toyota Grandia, Nissan Urvan) - PHP 1,200

Should you wish to avail of the services of the Nissan Car Lease Philippines, Inc., please fill out the attached booking form. It is strongly recommended that participants email the filled out form to Ms. Pilipinas M. Luis (pml@searca.org) five (5) days prior to arrival.

Alternative mode of transport:

1. Via TAXI. Metered taxis roughly cost PHP 150 from the airport to Makati. Airport taxis charge a higher fare, approximately PHP 500.
2. Via limousine service (reserve with the hotel)

NAIA 3 international organizations deskA SEARCA staff will be at the international organizations (IO) desk to assist arriving guests and endorse him/her to the car rental services. The IO desk is located at:

NAIA 1 – in front of LANDBANK between rightmost entrance and exit in the airport lobby.
NAIA 3 – leftmost area, adjacent to LANDBANK near exit to Bays 4 and 5 in the airport lobby

For assistance, guests arriving at NAIA 1 can contact Mr. Van-Allen S. Limbaco through his mobile +63929 748 9011, and Ms. Maritess U. Suarez at +63 919 289 0786 for guests arriving at NAIA 3.

Foreign participants are advised to exchange their currency to Philippine peso to cover expected expenses. At the airport, money exchange counters are conveniently located throughout the terminal.

NAIA is approximately 10 kilometers from Makati Shangri-La, Manila.

Meals

For participants staying in Makati Shangri-La, buffet breakfast is served daily (included in the room charge per person) at Circle’s Event Cafe.
Meals hosted by the organizers will be at the Rizal Grand Ballroom.
12 November – Morning/afternoon refreshments and buffet lunch
13 November – Morning/afternoon refreshments and buffet lunch
There will be cocktails in the evening of 12 November 2014 at Isabela Ballroom.

Internet Service

Free wireless internet service is available in every hotel room and in the conference session rooms.

Secretariat Room

The Secretariat will be located in Rizal Ballroom C Anteroom. It will be open from 8:00AM to 5:00PM on the two days of the conference.

Medical Services

Kindly secure your travel/ accident insurance, valid for the total duration of your travel. For emergencies, please contact the Secretariat at: +63 927 889 2410 or +63 927 5268262.

Currency

The Philippine currency unit is Peso (PHP). Cash dispensers (ATMs) and money exchange counters are conveniently located throughout the airport, all open 24 hours and provide acceptable rates.
As of 20 October 2014, the exchange rate is 1.00 USD = 44.84 PHP

Weather in the Philippines

Manila has a tropical monsoon climate, with a temperature that regularly stays well above 30°C (86°F) throughout the year. March to May is the driest period in Manila, and June is the start of the rainy season.

Weather forecast for 10-14 November 2014 is as follows:

Source: www.accuweather.com (as of 20 October 2014)

Electricity

Electricity in The Philippines is 220 volts AC at 50 hertz (220V/50Hz). The Philippines normally uses a multi standard outlet, which has either two pins, Type A or Type C (no ground connector) or three pins (with a ground connector). Both types can accommodate both round and flat pins.

Inquiries

For inquiries regarding the Conference, please contact the Organizing Committee.

Organizing Committee

Research and Development Department
Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture
College, Los Baños, Laguna 4031 PHILIPPINES
Tel: +63 49 536 2365 to 67, 536 2287 Fax: +63 49 536 4105

Dr. Bessie M. Burgos
ARD2014 Conference Organizer
and Acting Program Head
bmb@searca.org
Loc: 131

Ms. Carmen Nyhria G. Rogel
Program Specialist
ngr@searca.org
Loc: 398

Ms. Junette Dawn A. Baculfo
Project Associate
jdab@searca.org
Loc: 132

Ms. Rochella B. Lapitan
Program Support Staff
rbl@searca.org
Loc: 137