In line with Proclamation No. 279 series 1956 of President Magsaysay, the last week of April is designated as the Rice Festival Week. Its purpose is to raise Filipinos' attention to more effective rice production.

According to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), rice is the principal food for more than 60% of the world's population. A typical Filipino plate is not complete without rice. Rice is the staple food in the Philippines. It is not only important for the country’s economy in attaining agricultural development but also for ending hunger.

Rice production has surged in recent years because of the government's efforts to irrigate vast areas of agricultural land in the Philippines. Because of its affordability, it is grown by most farmers and consumed by practically all consumers. Thus, rice contributes to the prevention of food insecurity.

Food insecurity is defined as the disruption of food intake or eating patterns because of the lack of money and other resources. According to the data from the United Nations, there are 59 million Filipinos who experienced food insecurity even before the pandemic (Bacani, 2021). Due to the pandemic, checkpoints were set-up in various parts of the country. This caused a breakdown in the agricultural supply chain which affected the food distribution and accessibility.

Often taken for granted, our farmers play a critical role in national food security and the economy, as the Philippines is predominantly an agricultural country. In our small ways, we can help our farmers and community achieve rice self-sufficiency by becoming RICEponsible.

How can we be RICEponsible? As a consumer, it is important to not waste even a single grain of rice. Eat brown rice or mix rice with other staples. Brown rice has a lot of health benefits such as keeping bones healthy and strong, maintaining a healthy bowel function, reducing the risk of cancer, preventing heart disease, and helps in weight loss. Give thanks to our rice farmers and choose their products instead of imported ones.

Let us help contribute to the success of rice farmers and in become a food secure nation. Become responsible rice consumers. Be RICEponsible.

To learn more about being RICEponsible, go to http://www.philrice.gov.ph.

Written by: NO I Janna Alexia Necio and NPC Milagros Federizo

Sources:

• https://www.philrice.gov.ph/campaign/be-riceponsible/
• https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2008/04/05/54114/rice-festivals
• https://thephilippinestoday.com/panagyaman-rice-festival/
• https://thephilippinestoday.com/planting-rice/
• https://edgedavao.net/agri-trends/2021/09/22/rice-the-staple-food-of-filipinos-the-staple-food-of-filipinos/
• https://www.rappler.com/nation/farm-table-food-insecurity-philippines/