 In October 2023, the Department of Agriculture and International Rice Research Institute will hold the sixth International Rice Congress at the Philippines International Convention Center. This will be the greatest gathering of policymakers, scientists, representatives from the private sectors, farmers, government and non-government organizations and the media. During this event, as it has been in the past, recent advancement in the rice sector will be showcased in IRC 2023, again will provide a venue for information sharing and debating new ideas, introducing innovative technologies and best practices, firming collaborations and partnerships and encouraging networking among all concerned stakeholders around the world. It is therefore no surprise why worldwide research continues to focus on increasing productivity that has continued to be under pressure by numerous challenges. The 2023 International Rice Congress Conference theme, accelerating transformation of rice-based food system from gene to globe, responds to the unified call to accelerate the diversification of rice production towards the cultivation of high value crops. This transformation increases equity and opportunities for farmers and other people involved in the chain, increases income, recognizes and emphasizes women and youth participation and empowerment in rice farming. We have looked forward to hosting this great event on behalf of the Philippines Department of Agriculture headed by no other than the President Ferdinand E. Marcos Jr. and the International Rice Research Institute. We cannot wait to welcome you here and be part of this upcoming transformational conference on rice, the food of many to be held in the Philippine International Convention Center. See you all here in October 16 to 19 2023 for the International Rice Congress.