National Year of Rice launched in Siquijor

LAZI, SIQUIJOR, Philippines — In observance of year 2013 as the National Year of Rice, the Department of Agriculture–Regional Field Unit 7 conducted the provincial observance with the Farmers Field Day on Inbred Rice Technology Demonstration in Siquijor.

With the theme “SapatnaBigas, Kaya ng Pinas,” the NYR 2013 is a social marketing and advocacy campaign that aims to highlight the need for everybody’s help in achieving rice self-sufficiency. This is part of the Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP) of the national government.

At least 300 farmers and stakeholders, together with Siquijor Rep. Orlando Fua, Governor Orlando Fua, Jr., DA-7 Regional Executive Director Angel Enriquez, Regional Technical Director Tomasita Cadungog, and Regional Rice Program Directorate headed by Fabio Enriquez, attended the event.

“We might not be sufficient in rice in Central Visayas but the two percent as the regional contribution to the national figures made Region 7 commendable in rice program,” Enriquez said.

Siquijor has the highest yield of rice per hectare in Central Visayas with 3.57 metric tons, followed by Cebu with 3.21, Negros Oriental with 3.09 and Bohol with 3.08, the director added. (FREEMAN)