Earthworm science and technology has expanded tremendously in the last decade. There is need for assessing the state-of-the-art of technologies for vermicompost, vermimeal, vermiceuticals particularly for developing countries where such techniques can have socioeconomic and environmental benefits.

ISWVT 2005 will bring together researchers and industry stakeholders for assessing the current status and prospects of vermi technologies in developing countries.

The active and fast-growing industry in the Philippines, along with its tropical and tourist-friendly environment, make it an appropriate venue for the first ever international symposium-workshop on vermi technologies.

ional forest reserve in the "Science and Nature City" of Los Baños, Laguna about 63 Kilometers south of Manila, the Philippine Capital. Besides its natural and scenic attractions, Los Baños also hosts a number of national and international academic and research institutions in agriculture, forestry and natural resources.