By PIA-Bohol | 08:49 PM November 27, 2025
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol –The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Central Visayas is strengthening its annual observance of National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) this November with its continuing theme “Be RICEponsible.”
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,” shares DA-7 information officer Cheryl dela Victoria during the Kapihan sa PIA in Tagbilaran City on November 21.
Every grain of rice, dela Victoria said, is a blessing that should never go to waste.
She shared the key component of the initiative which 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;
D – Dapat bigas ng Pilipinas ang bilhin – Support locally produced rice.
This 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 save a life.
With this, the DA encourages Filipinos to start a simple but powerful habit: serve only what you can finish, or order half a cup of rice if that’s enough. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)
In a Kapihan sa PIA on November 21, 2025, DA-7 information officer Cheryl dela Victoria (R) shared that this year’s celebration of National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM), strengthens the call for mindful rice consumption and stronger support for Filipino farmers. NRAM is celebrated every November to raise public awareness on the importance of rice, address malnutrition and poverty and promote national rice self-sufficiency. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)
