The Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center 1 (ATI-RTC 1), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 1 (DA-RFO 1), launched the regional celebrations of National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) and Organic Agriculture (OA) Month at the ATI-RTC 1, Tebag East, Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan and via Facebook livestreaming on November 13, 2023.
With the theme "Be RICEponsible", the NRAM celebration aims to engage the public in reducing food waste and becoming more responsible in rice consumption. On the other hand, the Organic Agriculture Month celebration emphasizes the economic benefits of organic farming and organic agriculture enterprises under the theme "Kabuhayang OA, Kinabukasang OA!".
In his opening message, DA-ATI-RTC 1 Center Director Dr. Rogelio C. Evangelista emphasized that these two initiatives have deep importance in achieving food security and safety in our country. This month commemorates not only the rice culture but also the hardworking farmers. Also, November is a month of organic farming and proof of commitment to the development of sustainable agriculture.
Key officials and leaders in the agriculture sector also expressed their support for these regional celebrations through video-recorded messages. These were Senator Cynthia A. Villar, Chair of Senate Committee on Agriculture & Food; Dr. Leocadio C. Sebastian, Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development; and Dir. Bernadette F. San Juan, Director for National Organic Agriculture Program.
Furthermore, Dr. Marvin Quilates, DA-RFO 1 Organic Agriculture Focal Person, said every Filipino family shall enjoy healthy, nutritious, and affordable food on their table as he delivered the message of the DA-RFO 1 Regional Executive Director Dr. Annie Q. Bares.
The NRAM and OA Month celebrations formally started with a ribbon-cutting spearheaded by guests and delegates from the DA-RFO 1; ATI-RTC 1; Provincial Local Government Units of Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur, and Ilocos Norte. Afterward, the guests proceeded to a press conference with various local media groups. This media coverage aimed to further create awareness of the objectives of the celebrations and the different issues and concerns relating to agricultural development in Region 1.
Still on the highlights of the launching activity, DA-ATI-RTC 1 Information Officers Ms. Junelyn S. Repancol and Mr. Alladin C. Tabo shared the overview of the NRAM and OA Month celebrations, respectively. The
The status of the rice industry in Region was presented by Mr. Norwen Ian Cervera, Agriculturist from DA-RFO 1. It was followed by updates on the OA policy and directions and shared by Dr. Marvin Quilates. Meanwhile, Ms. Almera Montano, ATI-RTC 1 OA Focal Person, presented the OA Youth scholarship program and encouraged youth and farm owners in the region to avail the said program.
Indeed, the one-day activity remarkably drew a strong foundation of collaborations and partnerships between and among key players in agricultural development to realize the ultimate objective of these NRAM and OA campaigns.
