Tagbilaran City - Bohol has launched its month-long celebration of National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) with a grand kickoff event held at the National Food Authority (NFA) 7 office on November 5, 2024 in this city. This event dubbed as “Be RICEposible” was spearheaded by ATI Central Visayas in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 7 (DA-RFO 7), DA-National Food Authority (NFA) 7, and the Provincial Government of Bohol-Office of the Provincial Agriculture Office (PGBh-OPA).

The NRAM celebration aligns with Presidential Proclamation No. 524, which designates November as a month to promote awareness of rice, combat poverty and malnutrition, and support efforts for rice self-sufficiency. Various government and local agencies joined the opening ceremony to emphasize the importance of rice in Filipino culture and agriculture.

Key agencies in attendance included the DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), DA-Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) 7, DA-Philippine Crops Insurance Corp. (DA-PCIC), DA-Philippine Coconut Authority (DA-PCA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 (DENR7), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), along with representatives from Local Government Unit Agriculture Offices and local farmers.

Throughout November, a series of events will engage Boholanos in rice-related activities and advocacy, including: National Rice Information Caravan - Carmen, Bohol on November 7, 2024; NRAM Feeding Program and Student Symposium - Buenavista, Bohol on November 12, 2024; NRAM Fun Run - CPG Park/Bohol Wisdom School, November 23, 2024; Information Caravan and Farmer's Big Day - Pilar, Bohol on November 28, 2024.

NRAM aims to inspire sustainable practices in rice consumption, encourage public support for local farmers, and enhance food security efforts in the Philippines. Through community participation and awareness campaigns, Bohol’s agricultural sector reaffirms its commitment to achieving these vital national objectives.

The launching featured presentation on the NRAM Celebration; Bohol Rice Situationer; and informative topics like “NRAM Half Cup” and “Rice and Your Health.” The event also included engaging activities such as Rice Rumble: The Rice Trivia Challenge; On the Spot Drawing Contest; and inspiring presentation of Success Stories of Rice Farmers. 

“I found the NRAM Launching to be very informative and eye-opening event. I learned a lot about the importance of rice in Filipino Culture and the challenges that rice farmers face. I believe that it is important to support our local farmers and to buy local rice.” – Cherry Rose Mahinay