LINGAYEN, Pangasinan (PIA) – The Department of Agriculture (DA) encouraged the public to adopt rice mixes and brown rice in their diet, emphasizing their higher nutritional benefits with regular consumption.
Rice is a staple in Filipino meals, served with almost every dish, from breakfast to dinner.
Junelyn Repancol, information officer of DA-Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Ilocos, said that blending white rice with adlay (job’s tears), mais (corn), and saba (banana) can significantly enhance the nutritional value of meals.
“This is being promoted to children because it is tastier and more nutritious. They are more attracted to rice with color, so it can be mixed with job’s tears, corn, or saba banana to add different flavors and nutrients that white rice lacks,” she said during the Pantongtongan Tayo virtual presser of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) – Pangasinan on Tuesday.
She added that these components, when mixed with white rice, make the meal more nutritious.
Adding adlay boosts the meal’s protein, fiber, and essential minerals, supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar, provides antioxidants, and may aid in weight management.
Mixing white rice with corn increases its protein, antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins B and E.
Adding banana contributes to a boost in vitamin B6 and potassium.
Meanwhile, Repancol said that brown rice, which retains its bran layer, offers more fiber, protein, and vitamins than white rice.
“It can also help reduce the incidence of cancer and cardiovascular disease, as well as lower blood pressure,” she added.
This initiative aligns with the DA’s broader efforts to combat malnutrition and promote healthier dietary habits among Filipinos.
Further, rice farming plays a significant role in rural communities, as rice is essential to daily life throughout the country, whether in main dishes or snacks.
Hence, Repancol further explained that consuming brown rice not only provides health benefits but also boosts farmers’ income, particularly for brown rice producers in Bayambang.
Likewise, the Philippines is observing National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) this November, with the theme “Be RICEponsible.”
This theme will guide the campaign through 2027, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of responsible rice consumption and its role in promoting sustainability.
In line with this, Repancol highlighted the alarming fact that 300,000 tons of rice are wasted annually in the Philippines.
This significant loss not only affects the economy but also undermines efforts to combat hunger and malnutrition.
To address this issue, the DA continues to encourage the public to make mindful choices, such as consuming rice responsibly and supporting locally produced rice.
These actions not only contribute to healthier eating habits but also help uplift local farmers and strengthen the nation’s agricultural economy. (AMB/JCDR/CSS/PIA Pangasinan)
