Written by the Web Team
Some 6,000 students and staff of Benguet State University (BSU) swore to conserve rice at a National Rice Awareness gathering at the BSU campus in La Trinidad, Benguet, Aug. 25.
The pledgers said, “We will always find ways to save every grain of rice to help the country achieve rice self-sufficiency.”
A BS Development Communication student suggested that Filipinos should refrain from throwing overcooked rice often left at the bottom of rice cookers, which is usually a common practice of consumers.
Some BSU students also said they will campaign for rice conservation in their school and in neighboring communities.
BSU student Chrisa Mae Arnobit said in Rice Matters, the official fan page of PhilRice at facebook, I am willing to do the campaign in BSU.”
Dr. Leonilda Sito, BSU Office for Student Affairs director, supports the campaign and encourages students to “create an impact” by doing a community-based campaign.
This year’s National Rice Awareness Month celebration focuses on eating the right amount of rice by trying other sources of carbohydrates, eating more vegetables and fruits, and reducing rice wastage.
PhilRice rice chemist Joy Bartolome A. Duldulao said Filipinos depend mostly on rice for energy and eat rice more than what is recommended.
“Half of the typical Filipino plate contains rice despite recommendations to eat more of fruits and vegetables,” Duldulao said.
Diversifying one’s diet such as eating highly fibrous unpolished rice or brown rice, corn, banana, and sweet potato is a healthy option for Filipinos, Duldulao said.
The PhilRice-initiated National Rice Awareness at BSU promotes the Save Rice, Save Lives movement that encourages a day with less rice—or eating the right amount of rice—and zero rice wastage.
