Torres-Gomez named new rice ambassadress

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Rice Research Institute has named Leyte’s fourth district Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez as its new rice ambassadress to help drum up support to its “Be Riceponsible” campaign.

As rice ambassadress, Torres-Gomez will promote non-wastage of rice and the consumption of brown rice and rice mixed with corn or other staples to promote better health.

A multi-awarded television host, Torres-Gomez agreed to appear in videos and photos promoting the Be RICEponsible advocacy.

Hazel V. Antonio, director of the Be RICEponsible campaign, said Torres-Gomez was chosen because of her ideal image as a mother and her excellent track record as a public servant.

“Lucy is well-loved by many Filipinos and we believe that her influence as a policy-maker and as a TV personality can inspire the millions of people to be part of this nationwide advocacy,” Antonio said.

The Be RICEponsible campaign aims to promote the responsible consumption of rice of every Filipino as a patriotic duty to the country.

Torres-Gomez is currently assistant majority leader in the 16th Congress where her advocacies include public order and safety, women, children, health and education.

She had sponsored an amendment to the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009, which revises the provisions on breastfeeding babies during work hours. In her district, she vowed to work for zero classroom shortage by yearend.