As part of the National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) celebration, the Department of Agriculture-National Rice Program (DA-NRP) conducted a brown rice feeding program and “Be RICEponsible” campaign at Project 6 Elementary School on November 13 and 19, 2024.

The initiative, which benefitted more than 2,000 students and staff, aims to raise rice awareness, promote better health, and advocate responsible rice consumption. During the activity, the students also recited the Be RICEponsible Pledge, which states, “Bilang isang mamamayang Pilipino A-Ba-Ka-Da ng ‘Be RICEponsible’ ay isasapuso at susundin ko.”

A-Ba-Ka-Da stands for “Adlay, mais, saba, atbp. ay ihalo sa kanin,” “Brown rice ay kainin,” “Kanin ay huwag ay sayangin,” at “Dapat bigas ng Pilipinas ang bilhin.”

Through the Presidential Proclamation No. 524 Series of 2004, NRAM is observed every November to raise public awareness on rice, promote healthier and more sustainable practices in rice production and consumption, support local rice farmers, and achieve rice sufficiency, among others.

By engaging elementary students, the DA-NRP aims to inspire a new generation of responsible rice consumers. ### (Gumamela Bejarin-Rosas)