Written by the Web Team
Where do you teach the public how to conserve rice, or be RICEponsible? Definitely, in a place where the mind is conducive for learning.
The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in partnership with the Bonifacio Art Foundation unveiled the National year of Rice (NYR2013) exhibit at the Mind Museum, June 25.
The Mind Museum, located in Global City, Taguig, is the first science museum of its scale and scope in the Philippines. It has over 250 interactive exhibits, and is owned and managed by Bonifacio Art Foundation.
The NYR exhibit is the modified version of the rice section at The Mind Museum, which features a giant inverted rice bowl located at the museum’s Hall of Philippine Science. It features the rice conservation advocacy of the NYR through the information stickers around the exhibit area. The exhibit also has three LCD television monitors that constantly play NYR advocacy videos. It also has seven dioramas showing the growth stages of the rice plant.
Hazel Antonio, NYR Campaign Director, said that through the exhibit, a more RICEponsible Philippines is expected by the end of the year.
She added that aside from becoming responsible rice consumers through the NYR campaign, Filipinos are also expected to appreciate more the efforts of the country’s farmers in planning rice.
Atty. Emerson Palad, NYR Coordinating Committee Chairman and DA Undersecretary and Chief of Staff, graced the unveiling of the modified rice exhibit.
In his message, Palad stressed the importance of partnerships and linkages for the success of the NYR advocacy.
As of date, NYR has established partnerships with different public and private agencies, including TV and radio stations, telecommunication companies via the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), the transport sector via the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), hotel and restaurant managements, supermarkets, hospitals, public schools, and the different municipalities, cities, and provinces.
Palad also said that for the next six months, at least one big NYR event will be conducted every month.
“The NYR is probably the first campaign where all departments and private agencies have united for a national cause; this is because everyone is concerned with rice,” he further said.
