China’s ‘Father of Hybrid Rice’ cites SL Agritech CEO

The China National Hybrid Rice Research and Development Centre in Changsha City in China, has given Henry Lim Bon Liong, chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of SL Agritech Corp., a plaque of commendation "for your successful development and commercialization of the SL Series of hybrid rice varieties in the Philippines."

Lim went to China to personally receive the plaque from Prof. Yuan Long Ping, director of the Centre who is dubbed China’s "Father of Hybrid Rice" and who is himself a recepient of numerous international awards including the coveted Ramon Magsaysay Award.

Full text of Lim’s commendation follows: "For your successful development and commercialization of SL Series of hybrid rice varieties of the Philippines. By establishment of SL Agritech Corp., adapting the most advanced hybrid rice technology in China, developed large scale hybrid rice seed production in the country and enhanced the production and propagation of hybrid rice in the Philippines.

"With continued expansion of hybrid rice technology to other Southeast Asian countries and Africa. Remarkably contributed toward achieving the millenium goal: Development of hybrid rice for the welfare of Mankind."

Established in 2000, SL Agritech, a division of Sterling Group of Companies, manages a 40-hectare rice research center and demonstration farm in Bgy. Oogong in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, and a 1,500-hectare production area in Luzon, Davao and in Bukidnon.

The company’s SL-8H hybrid rice seed variety, according to Lim, has also earned recognition from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice).