P-Noy calls on all Filipinos to do their share in the attainment of rice self-sufficiency

SCIENCE CITY OF MUNOZ, Nueva Ecija, November 13, 2012-President Benigno Aquino III called on all Filipinos to do their share in the attainment of rice self-sufficiency by 2013.

In a message during Tuesday’s launch of National Year of Rice (NYR) and awarding of Gawad Saka winners that was read by Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, Aquino said “idineklara po nating NYR ang 2013 upang paghandaan at lalong mapabilis ang pagiging rice self-sufficient ng Pilipinas. Subalit ano man pong proklamasyon ang gawin ng pamahalaan, kung hindi makikilahok ang taumbayan, para na rin pong nagsayang lang tayo ng ilang pirasong papel (We declared 2013 as NYR to speed up efforts on rice self-sufficiency in the country. However, any proclamation will never materialize and will be wasted if the people do not take part).

The President added that any program of the government stems out from the plea and needs of “Juan dela Cruz” and will only be successfully carried out if everyone will have his/her own contribution. 

“Whatever profession- be it a farmer from Cagayan, or a fisherfolk in Davao; a researcher from Nueva Ecija, or a businessman in Zamboanga- you can help; you can do something. We just have to imbibe and practice the spirit of bayanihan and we will not only achieve rice self-sufficiency but also attain our other aspirations: education, health, and justice; national pride; and development and peace,” the Chief Executive stressed.

Aquino also lauded this year’s 25 National Gawad Saka honorees for inspiring their fellow countrymen and other sectors of Philippine agriculture.

2013 was declared as NYR via Presidential Proclamation No.494 to enlist the support of farmers, consumers, and policy-makers in the country’s endeavor to become rice self-sufficient.

The observance, which is anchored on the theme “Sapat na Bigas, Kaya sa Pinas” is meant to encourage farmers to adopt modern farm technologies while consumers are urged to reduce rice wastage. 

Moreover, Gawad Saka is given to farmers, fisherfolks, livestock raisers and farmers’ and fisherfolk groups and organizations in recognition of their achievements as well as contributions to nation-building. Last year’s performance served as the basis in determining the winners.

The contest started at the municipal level where model farmers, fisherfolks, livestock raisers and farmers’ and fisherfolk groups and organizations were endorsed by their respective mayors to the provincial level competition.

Profiles of the provincial winners were then submitted to the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Units (DA-RFUs) for review and validation.

Regional honorees, who are automatically bets to the national Gawad Saka, were picked by a selection committee composed of various program coordinators and division chiefs of DA-RFUs along with representatives from the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council.

The event coincided with the 27^th anniversary of Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice).

Aquino was not able to grace the occasion due to inclement weather.

According to Deputy Spokesperson Abigail Valte, the Chief Executive was supposed to ride a chopper en route to PhilRice but made a last minute decision to cancel his trip as strongly advised by his security personnel.