For this year’s National Rice Awareness Month Celebration, ATI-RTC 02 partnered with DA-RFO 02, DA-PhilRice Isabela, NIA-MARIIS, NIA Region 02, and NFA to widened its reach in promoting the #BeRiceponsible campaign to Filipino rice consumers.
In November, a line up of different activities in the four provinces of the region were conducted. During the onset of the celebration, an online kick-off was participated by the agencies which was led by the DA-PhilRice. Intended for Region 2, a Launching Ceremony was held at SM City Tuguegarao, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. This was complemented with Product, Services and Art Exhibit wherein agencies displayed their knowledge guides, rice display, and assisted the visitors in their queries from November 9-11, 2023. Rice artworks from Rice Art Nation and DA-PhilRice were also showcased in the exhibit.
Heads and representatives of the six agencies expressed their strong support in the campaign. Also, farmer representative Engr. Ramon Oliveros and SM City Tuguegarao Assistant Manager Mr. Romel Uy joined them in the pledge. RCEF Success Stories through video documentation, desk calendar and coffee table book were also launching during the program.
As part of the campaign, students from Tuguegarao City were invited to participate in the AgriKids for Rice on November 10. Here, they were introduced to various types of rice and their nutritional benefits. This was discussed by Mr. Jerome Javier, Science Research Specialist II. For Rice Art session, Mr. Giovanni taught the participants about the gridline effect and share his humble beginnings as a rice artist. Meanwhile, Mr. Marlon S. Ellano conducted an art session using acrylic as medium. Here, he demonstrated the tips and tricks in painting.
Following the three-part session, the participants showed their acquired skills and knowledge in art through an art contest. Top 3 best paintings were awarded in the activity.
In November 17, Rice Up Color Run were conducted at San Mateo, Isabela. This was participated by invited students and staff from various DA agencies. Runners were given Malusog and Brown Rice which they distributed to the residents during the race. Top 4 runners were awarded in this activity.
Other separate activities were conducted by the partner-agencies in other provinces.
On its Culminating Program (November 28), awards and recognitions were given to farmers, associations, cooperatives and other groups who showed their outstanding efforts for the benefit of agricultural development; especially in the rice industry.
Through this effort, it is hoped that more Filipino rice consumers became aware of their roles in achieving a 100% rice-responsible Philippines using the Riceponsible Pledge as our reminder.
