PhilRice partners with Dumaguete school for rice program launching

THE Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) has partnered with Foundation University in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental for the launching of the National Rice Year (NRY) 2013 during the “Rice is Life” Dumaguete Adventure Marathon (DAM) on Nov. 18.

Hazel Antonio, project leader of the National Rice Year, said they have seen the DAM as an ideal launching venue because of the marathon’s advocacy for rice conservation.

The DAM, which is now on its fourth year, is the only marathon that celebrates rice—the golden grain of life.

Before the run, runners recite a pledge to help conserve rice. A cookfest follows the marathon. It will feature various rice-based dishes prepared by various schools in Negros Oriental.

The winners will receive rice as prizes.

The PhilRice has been a regular partner of Foundation University in its advocacy for national rice sufficiency.

Antonio said the NRY 2013 campaign will focus on two problems in the Philippines: eating too much rice and wasting too much rice.

She cited a survey that revealed that on average, Filipinos eat almost five cups of rice when one cup a meal is enough. The study also said that Filipinos are eating more rice than any other food groups. Rice, she said, should only constitute 1/4 of a meal—not 1/2.

Antonio said Filipinos are devoting too much energy to rice when there are other equally or more nutritious energy from potatoes, cassava, sweet potato and corn.

Another finding in the study revealed that in 2010, Filipinos wasted 13 percent of the total rice imports, costing P17 million a day.

She said that by partnering with Foundation University, PhilRice hopes to encourage the public to be better rice consumers for less wastage and better health.