LGU agri office launches National Year of Rice

The LGU-Tacurong Office for the Agricultural Services (OAS) launched the National Year of Rice (NYR) campaign in the city on May 6, 2013.

As part of the launching, the NYR banner was raised by OAS with the help of department heads during the LGU's Monday flag-raising ceremony. NYR carries the theme 'Sapat na Bigas, Kaya ng Pinas'.

Officials and employees of the City Government of Tacurong also pledged to save rice and support the national government’s advocacy for rice self-sufficiency through the recitation of the Panatang Makapalay (Save Rice, Save Lives Pledge).

According to City Agriculturist Ramon B. Losañes, the OAS will spearhead extension activities that will increase rice consumers’ awareness on the country's current scenario of rice production and consumption. OAS hopes that by facilitating awareness, they will get the support of the people.

“We want to inform all rice consumers that they can help our country achieve sufficiency. They can do simple things like, eating other staples aside from rice or cooking just enough rice for the family to reduce rice wastage in the household,” said Losañes.

President Benigno S. Aquino III, under Proclamation No. 494, proclaimed 2013 as National Year of Rice. Aside from the goal of achieving self-sufficiency, NYR aims to promote better health among rice consumers and increase farmer’s income. NYR was launched in November 2012 during PhilRice’s 27th anniversary. Nationwide caravans and rice awareness campaigns have been conducted since then.

Rice self-sufficiency is the country’s capability to sustain the demand of the populace for rice, without relying on importation.

For more information on NYR, visit www.nyr2013.com.

Jezereel Louise C. Billano