QUEZON CITY -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) reiterated its plea for the responsible consumption of rice during the kick-off ceremony of the National Rice Awareness Month on November 3, 2022 at Liwasang Aurora in Quezon City Memorial Circle.

Agriculture Undersecretary for Administration and Finance Jane C. Bacayo together with other DA officials led the kick-off ceremony, which was organized by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice).

Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 524 Series of 2004, the National Rice Awareness Month is observed every November to raise public awareness on rice, combat malnutrition and poverty, and attain rice self-sufficiency.

Highlighting the event is the launching of the “Be RICEponsible” advocacy as official theme of NRAM and the introduction of its A-Ba-Ka-Da campaign, which translates to:

A – Adlay, mais, saba, atbp. ay ihalo sa kanin (Mix rice with other staples such as adlai, saba, corn, etc.)

B – Brown Rice ay kainin (Switch to brown or unpolished rice)

K – Kanin ay huwag ay sayangin (Stop wasting rice)

D – Dapat bigas ng Pilipinas ang bilhin (Support and buy local)

DA and PhilRice upped the celebration with various activities that are informative and entertaining.

In line with the month-long observance of NRAM, government employees and stakeholders are encouraged to recite the “Panatang Makapalay” during their flag ceremonies. Meanwhile, office cafeterias are urged to serve half-cup of rice and other healthier rice varieties, including brown rice, in support of the advocacy.

For many years now, the Department has been promoting the consumption of brown rice because of its nutritional value. Compared to white rice, it contains more fiber, minerals, and vitamins, particularly B vitamins, and has a lower glycemic index. (KJM DA-AFID)