DA-7 highlights ‘RICEponsible’ 

consumption, backs local farmers

By Elvira C. Bongosia

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) — The Department of Agriculture in Central Visayas (DA-7) is strengthening its annual observance of National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) this November with its continuing theme, “Be RICEponsible” consumers.

Launched in 2023 and running until 2028, the campaign aims to promote healthier and more responsible rice consumption while supporting local farmers.

“This year’s celebration strengthens the call for mindful rice consumption and stronger support for Filipino farmers,” DA-7 Information Officer Cheryl dela Victoria said during the Kapihan sa PIA in Tagbilaran City on Nov. 21.

Every grain of rice is a blessing that should never go to waste, dela Victoria said.

She said a key component of the initiative is the A-Ba-Ka-Da movement, which encourages consumers to adopt mindful rice practices:

A – Adlay, mais, saba, atbp ay ihalo sa kanin – Mix rice with other staples such as adlai, corn, and saba;

B – Brown rice ay kainin – Choose brown or unpolished rice;

K – Kanin ay huwag sayangin – Avoid wasting rice; and

D – Dapat bigas ng Pilipinas ang bilhin – Support locally produced rice.

The campaign encourages households, schools, agencies, and communities to make every grain count by embracing healthier diets and choosing rice varieties that are nutritious and sustainably produced.

“According to reports, the Philippines wastes around 650,000 tons of food annually, including about 300,000 tons of rice, which is enough to feed 5.5 million Filipinos for a year,” dela Victoria said.

Each saved grain, she emphasized, could help save a life.

Because of this, DA-7 is urging Filipinos to start a simple but powerful habit: serve only what you can finish, or order half a cup of rice if that is enough.

RICEponsible Fun Run 2025

Capping off the month-long NRAM celebration was the RICEponsible Fun Run 2025 held on Nov. 29, from Bohol Wisdom School to Plaza Rizal in Tagbilaran City.

The registration started at 3 a.m., and the fun run began at 5:00 a.m.

Dela Victoria said the activity was free of charge.

Participants received fun run shirts (for the first 500), 2 kilograms of regular milled rice (for 800 participants), RICEponsible pins, reading materials, and special chicken arroz caldo. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)

DA-7 Information Officer Cheryl dela Victoria (right) shares during a Kapihan sa PIA on Nov. 21 that this year’s National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) celebration strengthens the call for mindful rice consumption and stronger support for Filipino farmers. NRAM is observed every November to raise public awareness of the importance of rice, address malnutrition and poverty, and promote national rice self-sufficiency. (ECB/PIA-7 Bohol)