BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera (DA-CAR) successfully wrapped up its month-long National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) Celebration on November 30, 2023. The culminating event featured a vibrant mural painting competition involving 12 public schools in the city.
The objective of the activity was to strengthen cross-generational dialogue and learning among students, promoting a heightened awareness of responsible rice consumption. This initiative aimed to deepen students’ understanding of the implications and challenges faced by both rice producers and consumers.
Aida Y. Pagtan, in her message, highlighted the theme “ABKD: BeRICEponsible,” emphasizing the campaign’s focus on promoting sustainable rice consumption, considering that rice is a staple food in the Philippines. She expounded on the ABKD movement, translating to responsible rice consumption practices as follows:
A – Adlay, mais, saba, atbp. ay ihalo sa kanin (Mix rice with other food staples)
B – Brown rice at kainin (Eat brown rice or unpolished rice)
K – Kanin ay huwag sayangin (Prevent rice wastage)
D – Dapat bigas ng Pilipinas ang bilhin (Patronize locally-produced rice)
The mural painting competition engaged students from 12 participating schools, allowing them to channel their energy, aspirations, and perspectives as influencers and advocates for responsible rice consumption. The winning team, composed of Jahred Vince Cruz and Chloe Zelene San Diego from Mil-an National High School, secured the champion title.
Other winners included Hee Ivan Lopez and Gienafrance Jerusalem (2nd place), Rose Lily Manganip and Christine Joy Orcillada (3rd place), Madison Gabrielle Tambo and Jazmine Zave Dela Cruz (4th place), and Shamma Jugal and Princess Nicole Daranciang (5th place).
All participants and coaches received certificates of awards and promotional items, with cash prizes awarded to the top-performing teams. Susan D. Balanza and Charles A. Picpican presented the prizes, expressing gratitude to participants and coaches.
Balanza highlighted that the artworks created during the competition would serve as creative masterpieces and tangible reminders of the values instilled during the activity.
The NRAM celebration, held annually every November, is in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 524, s. 2004. By Leny D. Mendoza
