DAVAO CITY (PIA) – The Department of Agriculture in the region has once again emphasized its call for Davaoenos to be responsible in consuming rice to help achieve rice security in the region.
The call was taken up during the recent culmination of a photo contest in celebration of the National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) this November featuring the theme: “BeRiceponsible,” held at the World Palace in Davao City.
DA-XI Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Andres L. Alemania stated, “Let this campaign continue not only every November of the year instead let us always instill within the next generation the importance of valuing every single grain of rice as it represents the toil of every farmer.”
“The public is reminded to avoid wastage to help achieve rice security,” Elizabeth C. Torio, chief of DA-XI’s Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS), also shared in her message during the photo contest awarding ceremony.
She encouraged the consumption of brown or unpolished rice “as it has more fiber, minerals and vitamins particularly B vitamins and has a lower glycemic index than white rice.”
Torio also called on to support the local rice farmers by buying and consuming local produce.
The photo contest entries, which featured the local rice farmers, rice farms, and any encounter or personal experience by the contenders in rice farming, have embodied the theme, “BeRICEponsible” that aimed at raising awareness on responsible consumption of rice among Filipinos and showcasing love and support to the local rice farmers.
First place winner Jaycelle A. Muaña said that her photo entry emphasized the value of rice and hardwork of the farmers.
“This is very important to our daily life, to the children… my concept is for the under privileged Filipino families who consider a meal complete even with rice alone,” Muaña shared.
Mary Geraldine Rubillar got the second place, while Mark F. Escalante was declared the third winner.
Consolation prizes were given to the following: Chiamae B. Quiroa, Carolina B. Libaton, Ronel Renz Alvarez, Wendelfo S. Lagunzad Jr., and Brient Niña Pauline Canque.
Ariel P. Autida was conferred of the People’s Choice award, while Chiamae B. Quiroa bagged the Director’s Choice award. (PIA-XI/Carina L. Cayon with Franchette Delfin)
