CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has urged Palaweños to be more mindful of their rice consumption amid concerns over rice sustainability and food security.
National and regional representatives of the agriculture department encouraged the province of Palawan to adopt responsible rice consumption habits to ensure the sustainability of the critical food source, protect the environment, promote economic and social well-being, and foster a more ethical and health-conscious approach to eating on November 28, 2023.
Emerson Yago, focal person for farm clustering and consolidation under the Masagana Rice Program of the DA, said their goal is to educate Palaweños about the importance of reducing rice wastage and exploring alternative, sustainable sources of nutrition.
“Tuloy-tuloy ang kampanya natin sa pagiging responsable— ibig sabihin BE RICEponsible na ang ating pangunahing pagkain na kanin ay huwag nating sayangin,” added Yago.
He explained that managing rice portions is difficult, as diners often serve themselves rice without considering whether they will be able to finish it, leading to rice being wasted.
“Sana yung ating kukunin or kakainin, or ilalagay sa plato natin ay uubusin natin. Kung magsasaing tayo yong tama lang para hindi tayo napapanisan,” said Yago.
Yago added that their campaign for responsible rice habits supports the revived Masagana Rice Industry Development Program under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ‘s administration for Filipino farmers.
Masagana’s approach to increasing rice production is based on several central strategies: enhancing rice productivity by maximizing yields, minimizing risks, and boosting resilience via measures adapted to climate change; attaining greater efficiency and economies of scale in operations and agribusiness through the clustering and consolidation of farms; rapidly advancing digital transformation in rice agriculture; and redirecting the rice program to encompass a holistic “Triple A” strategy, which includes agricultural production, agribusiness, and agritourism.
“Pinapalakas pa natin ang mga intervention para sa ating mga magsasaka. Isinasabay natin dito yong intervention na makinarya, inputs, technical assistance—lahat ng pwedeng maitulong natin sa ating mga magsasaka, hindi lang para itaas ang kanilang produksyon, kundi yong matugunan din mapababa ang cost of production,” he added.
The DA’s efforts in Palawan are part of a broader national strategy to promote food security and sustainable agricultural practices across the Philippines.
He said that by focusing on education and community involvement, the department hopes to create a lasting impact on how Filipinos view and consume one of their staple foods.
Yago said the DA remains optimistic that their campaign will lead to changes in reducing food waste, improving nutritional standards, and fostering a culture of sustainability in Palawan.
The initiative aligns with Presidential Proclamation No. 524, Series of 2004, which declares November as “National Rice Awareness Month.” The proclamation aims to increase public knowledge about rice, address malnutrition and poverty, and achieve self-sufficiency in rice production. (GATS/PIA MIMAROPA)
