Written by the Web Team
Bacolod City, Negros Occidental – In line with its 10th foundation year celebration, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) based in Negros promotes its programs in “The Morning Show” of ABS-CBN Bacolod.
In the show segment Pulso Sang Banwa (Pulso Ng Bayan), host Jay Jalandoni interviewed Dr. Caesar Joventino M. Tado, acting director for administration, and Edgar M. Libetario, station branch manager.
PhilRice officials discussed the National Year of Rice (NYR2013), which the agency is spearheading with more than 50 organizations to date.
“NYR 2013 aims to increase awareness of the public for responsible rice consumption,” Tado said.
“Besides supporting our farmers to increase their rice production, we encourage the consumers to minimize losses in cooked rice,” he added.
For his part, Libetario said that PhilRice has held launchings and promotions for NYR2013 during festivals in different locations of the country, with the cooperation of local government units.
PhilRice is promulgating the Panatang Makapalay being recited during flag ceremonies and trainings conducted by different government agencies.
“We also promote most recent rice technologies, including organic rice farming”, Libetario said, adding that PhilRice Negros also sponsored a Fun Run on July 27 to support NYR.
When asked about the status of rice production in Negros Occidental, Libetario said that the province is already 100% sufficient, citing that PhilRice Negros has been supportive of local farmers in the province.
Meanwhile, Tado said that the focus of PhilRice now is selective farm mechanization in large rice production areas like Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon, which are areas with labor shortages.
He added that initial investment in farm mechanization is large, but production cost should decrease in the long run.
When asked by Jalandoni if PhilRice has new farm technologies, Tado said that the agency is undertaking continuous research activities in the breeding of rice varieties with pest resistance.
“PhilRice also provides support funds for other researchers and our Filipino inventors who could create new and innovative technologies,” he added.
As a final message to the viewers, Tado said, “We can attain our goals for the National Year of Rice if every Filipino will take part. To our consumers, let us conserve our rice so that more can have access to it.”
