The City Agriculturist’s Office (CAgrO) is intensifying its efforts, through Rice Pest and Diseases identification training and distribution of rice seeds to irrigated and rainfed lowland rice farmers as the city marks National Rice Awareness Month.
Bing Almador, Senior Agriculturist and Rice Production Focal Person of CAgrO, said that the celebration encourages consumers to value rice by minimizing rice waste, choosing safe and nutritious varieties, and recognizing the efforts of rice farmers.
“Ang purpose ani is to give awareness pod sa mga Filipino nga hatagan og importansiya ang humay labi na mao ang pinaka staple na pagkaon dria sa pinas. Isa pod sa mga objective ani kay hatagan og information nga dili gyud usik usikan ang humay (The purpose of this is to raise awareness among Filipinos to give importance to rice, especially so that it is country’s main staple. One of its objectives is also to provide information that rice should never be wasted),” she told Madayaw Davao over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
Almador said that it’s crucial to acknowledge our farmers as well, and reducing rice waste is one way to honor their laborious efforts to produce rice for consumers. It also aims to inspire farmers to adopt efficient farming technologies, access rice-related information, and engage in agri-preneurship.
She also said that adhering to the A-B-A-K-D is part of the pledge to be RICEponsible during the Rice Awareness Month, which stands for A for Adlay, mais, saba, at iba pa ay ihalo sa kanin (Mix job’s tears, corn, and saba bananas with rice);B for Brown rice ay kainin (eat brown rice); K for Kanin ay huwag sayangin (don’t waste rice); and D for Dapat bigas ng Pilipinas ang bilhin (buy rice produced from the Philippines).
As part of the city’s observance of the National Rice Awareness Month, CAgrO, in partnership with the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), will host an Information Caravan bringing together rice farmers from the city at the Malagos Nursery on November 25, 2025.
CAgrO will also distribute rice seeds and fertilizers to local rice farmers as part of its month-long support initiatives. Training on the identification and management of rice crop pests and diseases will also be held in Barangay Malamba, Marilog District.
She emphasized that rice should be valued, not merely as a staple food, but as the product of labor-intensive farming that reflects the dedication of Filipino farmers.
“Hatagan nato og respeto atung mga mag uuma naga produce ani be riceponsible kung mukaon ta, kanang kaya lang nato hutdon. Suportahan nato atung mga farmers buy local, eat local (Rice is more than just a staple on our tables, it’s the result of our farmers’ hard work and dedication. We must respect that labor by consuming responsibly, taking only what we can finish, and supporting local farmers),” she said.
The celebration is in line with Proclamation No. 524, s. 2004, which designates November as the National Rice Awareness Month to heighten awareness on efforts to attain food self-sufficiency and combat malnutrition and poverty. CIO
