BUTUAN CITY - In celebration of National Awareness Month this November, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII conducted the "Be RicePonsible: Technology Forum for Rice Stakeholders" on November 15, 2024, at Robinsons Place Butuan.

The forum aimed to heighten awareness of responsible rice consumption, address malnutrition, enhance competitiveness, and promote self-sufficiency.

The event was attended by 50 participants, including rice farmers and Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from Butuan City, Kitcharao, Cabadbaran City, and Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

Attendees actively engaged in discussions on ICT-based tools for rice farming led by Ressell Angelie Fetalsana, Information Officer II of ATI-RTC XIII. Decemboy B. Tiu from the Cabadbaran City Agriculture Office shared best practices from Local Government Units, while Pastor Wesley C. Calunsag, owner of Faith Nature Farm Products and Services in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, spoke about digital marketing strategies. Eliza A. Rapil, Science Research Analyst from PhilRice Agusan Experiment Station, provided insights on available government support services.

Participating LGUs also joined the rice-based cooking contest, bringing their finished products, which were judged by the guests.