THE IMPORTANCE OF RICE IN THE LIVES OF THE FILIPINO

The National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) is celebrated in the country every
month of November annually by virtue of the Proclamation No. 524 series of
2004. This year’s theme “Quality Rice, Quality Life” focuses on improving
farmers’ competitiveness to produce quality rice and instill the values of
responsible rice consumption among consumers, thus contributing in achieving
sufficiency in the country.

Rice is life especially for Filipinos and other Asians. Even with the availability of
other staple foods such as noodles and bread, rice remains to be the primary
choice for staple food in the Philippines. Rice, locally known as “Palay” (un-
milled rice), “Bigas” (milled rice), and “Kanin” (cooked rice) is much more than
food. It is a grain crop that has historical and cultural significance. In fact, it is
commonly associated with many rituals, traditions and cultural practices in the
country and are deeply woven in Filipino culture for years in different areas of
Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

A Filipino meal cannot be complete without rice. It is rarely missing on the table,
be it breakfast, lunch, dinner or even snacks and huge gatherings. Average of
the Filipino diet is based on this crop. It provides half of the calorie requirements
and is a rich source of carbohydrates and other nutrients such as protein, fiber,
calcium, iron and more. Aside from the diet and culture, rice also plays a huge
part on providing income sources for Filipino families especially the farmers who
work day and night just to provide food not only to their own but to all Filipinos
that are dependent on rice to sustain the day-to-day nutrient needs.

To sum it all, rice is very essential to the lives of Filipinos, may it be for culture,
for consumption, for nutrition or for labor. Thus, aside from protecting its value,
we should also appreciate the efforts of the farmers who do the hard work for us
to have rice on our tables. Let us help and support them in every way we can by
patronizing their own produce to help them earn for their families. After all, when
there is rice, there is no hunger. Support our farmers, support local rice!