The National Year of Rice campaign team launched actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith as rice ambassador during its series of activities during the National Rice Awareness Month in November. 
As rice ambassador, Smith informs the public on the main advocacies of the campaign: not to waste rice, eat other food staples, and try brown rice to help the country achieve rice self-sufficiency and for the Fillipinos to have healthier lifestyle. She also encourages the public to value farmers` hard work.
“I accepted this responsibility because I’m one with my fellow Filipinos in helping provide enough rice for the country. Rice self-sufficiency is not only the task of our government. Each of us has our own role in achieving this goal, and we could choose our roles,” she said.
Smith, who was chosen owing to her idealism, said her new role also suits her name. Jasmine rice is a long-grain variety of rice that has a nutty aroma and subtle pandan-like flavor.
She led and graced the National Rice Awareness Month including the ceremonial rice harvesting at Rizal Park and Run for Rice.
