Gender Forum 2023

Participant’s Information Note

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) welcomes you to the 2023 Gender Forum. Please refer to the information on this page for event guidance.

Participation in the 2023 ADB Gender Forum is free. Registration for both in-person and virtual participants is required.

Visa and Entry Requirements

Please ensure that your passport is valid for travel (more than 6 months from the date of arrival). For all participants requiring visa, please ensure that you have the complete documents prior to departure. For visa requirements, please visit: https://dfa-oca.ph/services/visa/

NOTE: If your country requires a visa, please reach out to the 2023 ADB Gender Forum Secretariat to secure the endorsement letter. Please attach a copy of your passport as required. The release of endorsement letter may take up to 2–5 working days or longer. Your prompt coordination and full cooperation will be of great importance to expedite the process.

COVID-19 Rules for Entry to the Philippines

Simple entry protocols to the Philippines continue to be in effect. Based on the latest guidelines from the Department of Foreign Affairs, foreign nationals and Filipinos who have received primary series COVID-19 vaccine and at least one COVID-19 booster shot no longer need an RT-PCR or Antigen test. All others are required to present a negative result of an RT-PCR Test taken within 48 hours OR Rapid Antigen test administered and certified by a healthcare professional in a healthcare facility, laboratory, clinic, pharmacy or similar, taken within 24 hours before departure from the country of origin.

 All Proofs of Vaccination Status are now acceptable when entering the Philippines.

ADB Travelers are advised to register with eT ra vel: One-Stop Electronic Travel Declaration System for a smoother and quicker entry process. Without the eTravel registration, entry will take longer since documents will need to be verified manually upon arrival. Please note that upon completion of your registration, it will issue you an eTravel personal QR code, please ensure to take a screenshot. Registration for eTravel is FREE. 

Arrival in Manila

Upon arrival at any of the three terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, all passengers shall proceed with the following steps:

Undergo a temperature check. You will need to present your OHP QR code at this point (for the OHP QR Code, see Pre-departure/COVID-19 Requirements section above).
Clear Immigration inspection. Submit your accomplished Arrival Card.
Pick up your bags at the assigned carousel at the Baggage Claim area.
Submit your accomplished Customs form.
Immediately following the agreed meeting area. If you have a pre-arranged land transfer. An ADB or hotel contact person will direct you to the Airport Transfer service. You will receive an email from the secretariat with the details of the pick-up arrangements. Please make sure that you are always updated by checking your email before your scheduled departure.

Venue and Access

Address
Asian Development Bank
6 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center
Mandaluyong City 1550, Philippines

Note: Please enter the ADB Headquarters via the ADB Avenue Gate.

Venue
ADB Auditorium Halls 1–4

Note: Access of participants to the ADB building is provided through a visitor registration system. Upon registering for the event, your name will be included in the guest list provided to ADB’s Visitors’ Reception Desk. Participants are required to wear the event badge that ADB will provide at all times while inside ADB premises.

Early visitor registration is available on 20 November 2023, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., at the ADB Avenue entrance of the ADB Headquarters. Special tokens will be given to early registrants, while supplies last. Everyone who registers on 20 November will also be entered into a raffle, to be announced during the 2023 ADB Gender Forum.

Maps

Nearby Accommodations

There are several hotels near the event venue (ADB Headquarters). For direct inquiries, please see the following list of neighboring hotels:

EDSA Shangri-la
Diane Solomon
reservations.esl@shangri-la.com

Joy Nostalg
Gladys Silverio
Gladys.SILVERIO@accor.com

Marco Polo Ortigas Manila
Katrina Uy
katrina.uy@marcopolohotels.com

Discovery Suites
Paola Roxas
paola.roxas@discovery.com.ph

Health Protocol

If you are not feeling well, please advise the Secretariat and ADB Incident Coordinator through the following and stay in your hotel: Mobile: +6328-632-5220 or +63-999-999-5220 or Email incid entco ordinator@adb.org.
You are reminded to bring with you your original vaccination card/certificate (fully vaccinated) and any government-issued photo ID.
A medical clinic is available at ADB Headquarters for limited emergency services. Private hospitals are located around 15 minutes from ADB Headquarters. For more serious concerns, the nearest emergency rooms are located at:

The Medical City Ortigas
Ortigas Ave, Pasig
+63 915 975 0787

Cardinal Santos Medical Center
10 Wilson, Greenhills West, San Juan
+63 2 8727 0001

Food and Drinks

Morning and afternoon snacks, lunches, and cocktails are provided during the event at the venue.

Presentation and/or Other Materials

All presentations and/or training materials will be available on the website. For special accessibility concerns, please contact the 2023 ADB Gender Forum Secretariat.

Weather

Given the climate change, rainy season in the Philippines has become longer and more unpredictable. The month of November, however, often sees major typhoons in the country, and the most common forms of precipitation are moderate rain, thunderstorms, and light rain. The temperature outdoors is typically hot and humid.

The event venues are air-conditioned, and the temperature range is about 24 degrees Celsius (about 75 Fahrenheit). 

For information about the local weather, currency, transport, business hours, and more visit: http://www.touri sm.gov.ph

Dress Code

Participants are encouraged to wear clothing that represents their home culture and is sustainably made, and/or a corporate/business casual attire. An umbrella and/or raincoat are also recommended in case of inclement weather.

Lost and Found

Please take care of your personal belongings while inside the ADB premises. Lost and found items will be kept by the 2023 ADB Gender Forum Secretariat at the Secretariat’s desk, Auditorium Hallway. By the end of the event, any unclaimed items will be turned over to the ADB Security Detachment Office in G317. Unclaimed items will be donated after 6 months.

Currency Exchange

The official national currency in the Philippines is Peso. Currency exchange and ATMs are available at the airport, the ADB Headquarters, and surrounding areas. Fees will vary. Banks are generally open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. American Express, Mastercard, and Visa card are accepted widely in Manila. 

Electrical Socket Type

The Philippines operates on a 220V supply voltage and 60Hz. In the Philippines the power plug sockets are of type A, B and C. Please see photo below:

• Type A: mainly used in North and Central America, China and Japan. This socket only works with plug A.

• Type B: like type A but with an extra prong for grounding. This socket also works with plug A.

• Type C: also known as the standard "Euro" plug. This socket also works with plug E and plug F.

Note: ADB rooms use a duplex outlet.

2023 ADB Gender Forum Secretariat

For general inquiries, please feel free to contact the 2023 ADB Gender Forum Coordinator, Mia Howell at mhowell.consultant@adb.org.

For land transportation, hotel-related inquiries, and other logistic concerns upon arrival, please contact the 2023 ADB Gender Forum Logistics Coordinator, Ice Morales, at jmorales2.consultant@adb.org.

Emergency Contact Numbers

Travel Emergency: 632-4444 local 5166; 632-4444 local 70610 

Airport assistance: 877-1109 local 2891 / 833-8756 

Airport transfers: ECLPI (632) 855-7731, (632) 886-9931 to 39 loc. 801 & 804 

ADB Security: +63 2 6325220; +63 2 999 999 5220 

For other emergency concerns, please contact the secretariat listed above.