It may not have received widespread media attention, but it has been confirmed that Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is in the Philippines. According to reports, he is here to visit the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Baños, Laguna. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which he co-chairs with his wife, is the single biggest private donor to IRRI, giving an estimated $18 million each year.
IRRI describes itself as “the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science,” and is present in 17 countries.
Officials at IRRI could not confirm Gates’ presence, but Immigrations officials confirmed his arrival at Puerto Princesa on April 4. According to them, they were not given information until the plane landed. Gates’ group also requested for confidentiality for security purposes. From there, the billionaire flew to the high-end resort Amanpulo, before flying to Manila on a chartered flight.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said that the tentative date of Gates’ departure is April 16.
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