ATI Director Alfredo Aton, OIC Assistant Director Rosana Mula, and Partnerships and Accreditation Division chief Renato Dela Cruz lead the ribbon-cutting for the NRAM 2019 exhibit.
DILIMAN, Quezon City—The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) showed its support to the 2019 National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) celebration with activities that are linked with this year's theme "Eat Local, Buy Local. Support our Rice Farmers."
ATI kicked off its NRAM activities last November 4 with an exhibit of rice and rice-based products from partner-farmers from different regions in the country. These were supported with banners and standees showcasing rice-related facts and messages towards the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.
A briefing on the objectives of NRAM for this year was also conducted. ATI Officer-in-Charge Assistant Director Rosana Mula also presented the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).
ATI staff also took part in a boodle fight where different colors of rice were served along with organically produced vegetables and dishes. This served as a simple way of showing the staff’s support to local rice farmers.
On November 16, ATI brought NRAM to the community by conducting a free seminar and outreach activity to more than 75 residents of Barangay Krus na Ligas, Quezon City.
Staff from the Partnerships and Accreditation Division and the Information Services Division explained the Rice Tariffication Law and NRAM to the residents. They also shared some rice- and corn-based recipes through lectures and free information materials which they can use in their household or as a source of income.
ATI Rice Program coordinator Janelle Faye Tanudtanud led the briefing in the community. Tanudtanud encouraged everyone to buy and eat local products to support local rice farmers. Also, she discussed how they can be RICEponsible individuals in simple ways such as avoiding rice wastage.
Lastly, ATI joined the National Rice Industry Stakeholders Conference (NRISC) in Iloilo City by showcasing and distributing information materials on rice and rice-based products as well as farmers' guide for RCEF.
Held last November 25-26, the NRISC served as an avenue for the national and local government, together with its stakeholders, to discuss trends, issues, and challenges currently faced by the agriculture sector.