MANILA, Nov. 19 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) is strengthening the annual observance of National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) this November with the continuing theme "Be RICEponsible," aimed at promoting healthier and more responsible rice consumption while supporting local farmers.

NRAM is celebrated every November to raise public awareness on the importance of rice, address malnutrition and poverty and promote national rice self-sufficiency.

"This started with the United Nations' declaration of the International Year of Rice in 2024 and was reinforced through Proclamation No. 524," Philippine Rice Research Institute Supervising Science Research Specialist Charisma Love Gado-Gonzales said in a radio interview on Wednesday.

"Lay...