Agri-10 promotes the Be RICEponsible campaign as it kicks off the 2024 Rice Awareness Month celebration.

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) kicks off the National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) celebration today, November 5, during the second day of the National Rice Program (NRP) 3rd Quarter Assessment and Bottleneck Resolution Workshop, in this city.

Spearheading the launching ceremony, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga echoed the call to sustain the future of the rice industry in the country.

“Reducing food waste not only demonstrates responsibility but also shows appreciation for those who labored. By embracing this, we all contribute to the shared pursuit of rice self-sufficiency and sustainability,” she said.

The NRAM is observed annually under Proclamation No. 524, s. 2004, highlighting rice as a staple food. With “Be RICEponsible” as its six-year theme until 2028, the celebration advocates for responsible rice consumption.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, led the Be RICEponsible pledge, an oath urging Filipinos to consume alternative carbohydrates-rich food, to eat brown rice, to consume rice responsibly, and to support Filipino farmers by purchasing local rice.

DA Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development Program, Engr. Christopher V. Morales, along with other DA national and regional executives graced the NRAM launching, where attendees get to taste different rice varieties, rice value-added products, and alternative staple crops on display.

The launching ceremony also showcases entries to the 2024 NRAM Photo Contest, featuring “Rice” and “DA” categories—centered around the themes “Be RICEponsible” and “Masaganang Agrikultura, Maunlad na Ekonomiya, Para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” to promote food conservation and agricultural innovation. # (BJCE)