Ernesto Perlas, Learning Site cooperator from Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, discusses the different opportunities in rice farming based on his experiences and knowledge.
DILIMAN, Quezon City - The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) showed its support to the National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) thru several activities this November.
Last November 5, an exhibit was launched at the ATI main lobby which featured products and technologies in rice farming. Among these were traditional rice varieties, alternate wetting and drying technology, rice based products, rice machineries, and the Philippine Rice Information System (PRISM) and Rice Crop Manager (RCM) apps. The said products and technologies were showcased until November 9.
Also on November 9, ATI staff and personnel were briefed on the activities and message of NRAM by their rice focal person Janelle Faye Tanudtanud. She highlighted the key messages of the celebration this year which is linked towards the theme "Quality Rice, Quality Life".
"This year, NRAM addresses the gap between farmers and consumers. We should be aware of the value of quality rice in advancing the life of rice farmers, consumers, and all others who depend on rice," Tanudtanud explained.
Present in the NRAM briefing was successful rice farmer Ernesto Perlas. He shared how their family turned their life around through farming. Perlas and his family own the Perlas ng Palayan Farm in Nueva Ecija, a recognized Learning Site of the ATI, which promotes and showcases family farming.
"I am a soldier turned overseas worker turned farmer. My farming life started when I joined training programs on growing rice, corn, and vegetables. Now, my family and I are one in farming and helping other farm enthusiasts," Perlas shared.
After the briefing, the ATI family dug in a boodle fight featuring brown rice. This is part of NRAM's message of promoting better health through healthier rice.
The celebration will next be shared to students as ATI will conduct NRAM briefing in a school in Metro Manila on November 23. This is through its ‘Glamourizing Farming through Urban Agriculture’ project. The activity aims to reach children to learn about basic rice value chain and gain appreciation on rice.