DA-7 enlists Bohol information officers 

in ‘Be RICEponsible’ campaign

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA)—The Department of Agriculture in Central Visayas (DA-7) has asked information officers of Bohol’s local governments and national agencies to help promote responsible rice consumption and support for local farmers.

DA-7 Information Officer Jolina Daño-Bacus presented the agency’s “Be RICEponsible” campaign during the Nov. 5 assembly of the Association of United Development Information Officers (AUDIO)-Bohol, in observance of National Rice Awareness Month.

The Department of Agriculture launched this year’s national observance on Nov. 3 under the theme “Be RICEponsible Every Day.”

The department has adopted “Be RICEponsible” as the observance’s theme through 2028, and its Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) now runs the campaign year-round.

Daño-Bacus asked the information officers to practice the campaign’s “ABC” pledge:

A – Avoid rice waste by taking only what you can finish.

B – Buy from local farmers.

C – Choose healthier rice, such as brown or pigmented rice.

PhilRice estimates that each Filipino throws away about two tablespoons of cooked rice a day.

That adds up to 10.85 million sacks worth of P24.4 billion a year, enough to feed about 5.17 million Filipinos for a year.

“Supporting the farmers' harvest will motivate them to continue their efforts, ensuring a reliable food supply,” Daño-Bacus said.

She said the campaign also seeks to revive the Half-Cup Rice Ordinance, which encourages food establishments to offer smaller servings so diners take only what they can finish.

AUDIO-Bohol Vice President for Local Government Units Khem Pendejito said information officers serve as bridges between government programs and the communities they serve.

“Let’s use our platforms, our voices and our influence to bring agricultural programs and advocacies closer to our communities,” he said.

“Let’s amplify the stories of our farmers and ensure that their contribution received the recognition they truly deserve,” he added.

The assembly, hosted by DA-7, ended with members reciting the “Be RICEponsible” pledge to reduce rice waste, support local farmers, and choose healthier rice.

Rice Awareness Month activities in Bohol

-Nov.6: National Rice Awareness Month-Rice Festival Kick-off program at National Museum of the Philippines, Tagbilaran City, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

-Nov. 10: Rice Symposium for children at Bagongbanwa Elementary School in Tubigon, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

-Nov. 12: Rice Symposium and Experimental Learning at Labonite Integrated Farm in San Isidro, Pilar, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

-Nov. 20: Young Farmers Big Day at Bohol Island State University in Bilar, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

- Nov. 28: RICEponsible Fun Run, starting at 4 a.m. at Bohol Wisdom School and ending at Plaza Rizal in Tagbilaran City.

National Rice Awareness Month is observed every November under Proclamation No. 524, signed on Jan. 5, 2004.

It aims to raise awareness about rice, help fight malnutrition and poverty, and achieve a sufficient rice supply through domestic production. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)

‘Be RICEponsible’ pledge. Members of AUDIO-Bohol, led by San Isidro Information Officer John Carlo Rasonabe (holding a microphone), recited the “Be RICEponsible” pledge—committing to sustainable rice consumption, reducing food waste, supporting local farmers, and improving personal health—during the association meeting on November 5, 2026, hosted by DA-7. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)