BUTUAN CITY - With its goal to strengthen the bond between rice farmers and consumers, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) 13 celebrated the National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) on November 8, 2018 at Robinsons Place Butuan, Butuan City with the theme: "Quality Rice. Quality Life." It was supported by the Butuan City Agriculture Office, Philippine Rice Research Institute - Agusan Experiment Station, and the Department of Agriculture (DA) - Caraga Region.

Abel James I. Monteagudo, Regional Executive Director of DA - Caraga Region, related the importance of saving rice in the life of each Filipinos. He further urged each one to be responsible in the consumption of rice which is the country's staple food.

The activity included two lectures by Jasmine J. Reyes, Chief - Science Research Specialist of PhilRice - Agusan, and Georgie M. Tortola, Technical Staff of ATI-RTC XIII. The Sto. Niño Multi-Purpose Cooperative and Tiniwisan Rural Improvement Club joined the Healthy Rice Challenge and won the 1st and 2nd Place for the Healthy Rice Plate and Rice Mix Plate. Participants were also involved in the Rice Relay Contest.

The recitation of Panatang Makapalay and the commitment ceremony to be a RicePonsable Consumer highlighted the event.

Other personalities who were present during the occasion were Dr. Gerardo F. Estoy – Branch Director of PhilRice – Agusan, Samuel L. Calonzo – OIC Center Director of ATI-RTC 13, Jocelyn A. Bayona – Training Specialist III of ATI-RTC 13, and Ruth S. Maisog – Assistant City Agriculturist of Butuan City. All in all, 90 rice farmers, consumers, and influencers attended the activity.