A Guide to Los Baños
For IRRI staff and dependants
For expatriates coming to live and work at IRRI headquarters in Los Baños. Find practical information you need to make settling-in as smooth as possible.
Pre-Arrival Info


Host family assignment

You will be given information on how to communicate with the Family Liaison Officer who will assign a host/host family after you receive your appointment letter. The Family Liaison or your host/host family can answer questions you may have about life at IRRI.

Document checklist

The following documents and papers should be brought to IRRI with you:

  • Passports valid for an entire year or more. If you have only a few pages left in your passport you may want to renew it before you leave your home country, as the process is simpler. Also, consider getting extra pages if you are expecting frequent travel. Passport pages fill up quickly so you may consider getting a new passport with the most pages possible before coming to IRRI.
  • School records (Bring an official translation in English)
  • International Driver’s License
  • Valid driver's licenses for all drivers in the family (Bring an official translation, if not in English)
  • Certified or notarized copies of birth certificates, marriage licenses, divorce papers (with official translation in English)
  • Vaccination/immunization records
  • Medical and dental records, if pertinent to ongoing health issues; drug prescriptions for medicines
  • Prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses
  • An itemized inventory of all goods shipped
  • Passport-sized photos (10) of all family members (photos can be taken after arrival, but having some when you arrive will speed up school registration, etc.)
  • Your last year's tax records—some GRS may need to continue filing tax returns in their home countries even if they are tax-exempt
  • Check books and deposit slips to last at least a year, and a safe or secure filing cabinet to keep them in

Globally Recruited Staff (GRS) are advised not to ship any of these important personal documents, but rather to include them in hand luggage.

Immunizations for the Philippines/Southeast Asia

It is best to consult your family physician or a travel doctor to update your immunizations before arrival. There may be immunizations required for the Philippines that are not required in your home country. Recommended immunizations are: up-to-date tetanus, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tuberculosis, and rabies. Malaria prophylaxis is not necessary in Los Baños, but is necessary when traveling to Palawan and other remote areas. Immunization for cholera may be needed if traveling to remote areas. Vaccination against yellow fever is not needed unless you intend to travel to countries that require it.

All vaccines are available in the Philippines, but it may be easier to access them in your home countries.

Pets

Dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits are popular pets in the housing areas. Dogs, however, must be controlled at all times when outside their owner's home. If you are bringing a pet, you must request permission and obtain an import license from the Bureau of Animal Industry, Department of Agriculture. This will have to be arranged for you by the Shipping Office of IRRI. The necessary documentation will be sent to you before you leave for the Philippines.

You must also have:

  • a health certificate, not more than 10 days old, signed by a veterinarian and
  • a rabies vaccination certificate for dogs, cats, and monkeys that is dated at least one month and not more than six months before you leave.

Your pet must arrive on a weekday, and be collected from the airport as soon as it has been cleared. There are no facilities for boarding animals at the airport.

Storage of personal effects

GRS may need to leave some personal possessions in their home (or other) country. This storage of items is the sole responsibility of the GRS. IRRI will not reimburse or pay for the insurance or storage costs of such items. Due to the high humidity in the Philippines, it is advisable to bring only items that you plan to use. Items do not store well in the local climate.

What to bring in your shipment

IRRl-managed houses are equipped with basic furnishings and basic household machines; however, you may choose to bring your own furniture. Rented houses in the local community may or may not be furnished. What the GRS needs to ship are important personal items: pictures and decorations, all linens, books and toys, etc., keeping in mind that most products are available in the Philippines, and things not included in the shipment can usually be found here. A poll of new families made the following suggestions of the things to bring in your shipment if you have the weight allowance to do so. Remember, almost anything can be bought in Manila.

Humidity is very high in the Philippines. Bring only what you plan to use. Items do not store well in the Philippine climate.

  • Baby supplies: Paper diapers are everywhere in the Philippines, but bring the specific products you are comfortable with: cloth diapers, plastic pants, diaper rash creams, bottles and nipples, children's vitamins, etc.
  • Books: English books are widely available and inexpensive in bookstores in Manila. New releases are available in some stores in Manila and then, after a few months, in other stores. GRS from non-English speaking countries, however, should bring a supply of books in their native language, particularly if they have children who must maintain their reading skills in their own language
  • Blankets: Washable cotton blankets and bedspreads. Many families use their air conditioners at night, and cotton blankets are handy.
  • Breadmakers: Breville brand is available but may be more expensive than in your home country. Must be 60 Hz, 220v.
  • Contraception: It is a good idea to bring along a good supply of your birth control pills and prescriptions or other contraception.
  • Clothes: It is hot in Los Baños. You will not need cold-weather clothes. People who plan to travel to cold places from IRRI should bring enough clothes only for those trips, but otherwise, leave the sweaters and jackets behind. Bring cool cotton summer clothes, some dressier clothes for evening wear, and a lot of summer shoes. Normal attire at IRRI includes relaxed evening clothes for dinner parties and official occasions (dresses, nice shirts, and slacks, saris, etc.), and casual wear for daytime. The Philippines has a huge textile and clothes manufacturing industry and you can buy everything here, except some shoes and underwear in large sizes. The biggest shoe size is usually size 9 (US) or size 39 (European). However, there are many seamstresses who make made-to-order clothes. Large-sized athletic shoes (up to men’s size 14) can be purchased at specific outlets. The styles may be limited.
  • Coolers or thermos boxes: These are essential for bringing back frozen foods from Manila or for cooling drinks at a party, and are available for purchase here, but may be more expensive than in your home country.
  • Computers: Computers are widely available in Los Baños and Manila.
  • Cosmetics: All kinds are available here. However, bring your own pure almond oil if you prefer it for makeup removal, as it is not available here.
  • Dehumidifier: Many GRS find that a dehumidifier protects photographs, computers, etc., from the damp. These are hard to find here and expensive. Very large plastic tubs with lids for storing photographs from the damp can be found in Los Baños and Manila.
  • Electronics: IRRI-managed houses and the Institute are equipped with 220 volt outlets, 60 Hz. GRS can bring (or purchase here) electronics such as stereo or television equipment, kitchen machines, vacuums, linens, kitchenware, extra lamps, water filters, etc. All of these things are available for purchase in Manila; however, they may be less expensive in your home country. The TV system is NTSC. Sony, Toshiba, Samsung, and JVC electronic companies all have repair shops in Manila. Voltage regulators (AVR’s) are a good idea to protect your appliances against electrical spikes, and to adapt the two voltages. However, they may be more expensive and inferior to overseas products.
  • Food: Gravy mixes without MSG such as Gravox and MSG-free boullion cubes. Indian spices can be purchased in Indian stores in Manila but you might want to bring a supply with you. Bovril, Marmite, and vegemite can be found at the Union Jack Tavern in Festival Mall in Alabang.
  • Hair dye that is semi-permanent or for blond or light brown hair.
  • Hobbies and sports: Bring the equipment for the things you like to do. Although almost everything is available, it will take you a while to find it all. For example, seamstresses should bring their own sewing machines or embroidery thread and kids should bring their roller skates and bicycles.
  • Kitchen tools and equipment: Most things are available but, it is not common to find vacuum winesavers and breadmakers. There are limited brands available and these may be cheaper in your home country.
  • Lamps: Lamps can be expensive in the Philippines but are available as well as a variety of bulbs.
  • Make-up remover: If you prefer pure almond oil, bring some with you, as it may not be common in the Philippines.
  • Mattresses: If you have a particular need of a certain type of mattress, you may want to consider bringing your own, as well as mattress pads or protectors.
  • Medicines and health supplies: Most medicines are readily available, as all antibiotics are sold over the counter without need of doctors' prescriptions. To check for medicines go to www.mercurydrug.com.
  • Pillows: It may be difficult to get good quality pillows.
  • Sheets: Local sheets may be expensive and of poor quality. You may consider bringing your own.
  • Shoes: Large sizes (women’s over US size 8; European 38; men’s over US size 10) are not available. If your family members have large shoe sizes, bring lots of shoes for them. Large-sized athletic shoes for men and women are available in special outlets, but choices are limited. SM Department Stores have a large-size section, but the styles are limited and are mostly sandals. Large-sized flip-flops are available.
  • Spices: Not all spices are easily obtainable in the Philippines. Bring the ones you can't do without.
  • Sprinkles for cookies and cakes: Some are available, but colors and shapes may be limited.
  • Stamps: GRS travel frequently. Consider bringing stamps from your home country to facilitate sending mail with GRS travelers. The stamps need to be stored with sheets of wax paper between them or they will stick to themselves in the humidity. All GRS who deal with banks, universities, magazines, etc., in the US should have a supply of American stamps. This will facilitate sending sensitive mail (signed checks, bank inquiries) with someone traveling to the US.
  • Tampons: Tampons are available in S&R, Alabang, but they only sell ones with an applicator. It is best to bring plenty of your chosen brand with you.
  • Towels: Good-quality absorbent towels are hard to find in the Philippines. Consider bringing your own from home.
  • Underwear: Again, large sizes may not be not available.

At the airport

IRRI GRS staff with 9(E) visas are permitted to use the diplomatic line at the immigration desk, which is often the shortest queue. You will be met by an IRRI driver at the airport upon your arrival and then transported to IRRI (usually about 2 hours) to your accommodations at IRRI. In the airport, you first pick up your luggage and then pass through customs. After that, follow these instructions according to the terminal of your arrival:

NAIA Terminal 1

After customs clearance, look for and proceed to the International Organizations Reception Desk (IORD) located at the arrival lobby. REMINDER: DO NOT GO DOWN TO THE GREETERS AREA OR THE ARRIVAL EXTENSION AREA. The personnel at the desk will locate the driver for you.

Centennial Terminal 2

After customs clearance, look for the airport representative/driver with IRRI signage at the North wing arrival lobby.

NAIA Terminal 3

After customs clearance, turn left and look for and proceed to the International Organizations Reception Desk (IORD) located at the arrival lobby, beside the Information Desk and Landbank. REMINDER: DO NOT GO OUT FROM THE ARRIVAL LOBBY. The agent at the desk will contact the IRRI driver for you.

If you have any problems at the airport, such as lost luggage or immigration problems, please inform the person at the International Organizations desk:

IORD
(02) 833 8756
(02) 877 1109 local 5972
09228909771 / 09294259092 (Mr. Aries Lagana)

IRRI Motorpool:
(02) 580 5675
(02) 580 5600 local 2230
09178639296

or

-call the IRRI Manila office at (02) 856-6133 or (02) 856-6129 between 0800h and 1700h
-call IRRI-Los Baños at (02) 580-5600, (02) 845-0563, or 812-7686 after 1700h

If all this fails, check into any hotel in Manila and call IRRI the following morning. Do not take a taxi to IRRI.

Upon arrival at IRRI

Please read through the orientation schedule placed in your room. The Family Liaison Officer from Human Resources Services and/or a host/host family will be available to help you upon your arrival. Contact information will be placed in your room or sent to you by email before you arrive. The Family Liaison and the host/host family will try to contact you on the first or second day. They will assist you in learning about IRRI and Los Baños, and introduce you to the community. Feel free to contact them if you need assistance at any time.