MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MAFAR-BARMM) joined the Department of Agriculture in celebrating National Rice Awareness Month with a week-long event held at the BARMM Integrated Agriculture and Fishery Research Center in Crossing Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, on November 25-29, 2024.
The celebration offered a variety of activities designed to engage farmers, Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs), students, and talented cooks across the region. Training sessions for farmers aimed to enhance their knowledge and skills, focusing on hybrid rice production techniques.
Following the training, the MAFAR-Maguindanao Provincial Office distributed farm inputs to the beneficiaries, providing them with the resources needed to implement their newly acquired knowledge.
A quiz bee challenged AEWs to test their expertise, while students showcased their creativity in a poster-making competition. The region’s exceptional cooks battled it out in the “Lutong Bangsamoro,” a cultural cooking contest.
The event highlighted the importance of responsible rice consumption, with Bangsamoro Director General for Agriculture Services, Engr. Esmael Guiamel, emphasizing the “Be RICEponsible” pledge. “This pledge teaches us to be responsible consumers of rice,” he said. “Every grain of rice we save can save lives.”
Meanwhile, Director II for Research, Development, and Extension Services, Tong Abas, echoed this sentiment, urging participants to appreciate the value of rice and its importance in their daily lives.
“This event should be an eye-opener for everyone to always give importance to what they have, especially what is served on their tables,” he said.
MAFAR Minister, Mohammad S. Yacob, PhD, extended his congratulations to all participants at the end of the celebration. “This event is a reminder of the crucial role rice plays in agricultural development,” he stated. “We are grateful to everyone who joined us.”
The National Rice Awareness Month celebration in BARMMIAFRC served as a platform to educate and engage the community, fostering a deeper understanding of rice production and consumption and promoting sustainable practices for the future.
