WITH the need to educate the youth about agriculture getting more urgent, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and Kiwanis International-Philippine Luzon District unveiled a compact educational campsite called RICEsParK, established to help cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders.
The recently launched initiative seeks to inspire young “RICEponsible” leaders who are aware of the challenges faced by Filipino farmers and the importance of rice and rice science to the nation.
“At RICEsParK, we aim to develop leaders who are mindful of farmers’ struggles, understand the significance of rice and are equipped with leadership skills and values needed to impact the country’s rice sector,” said Glenda Hufano, governor of the Kiwanis International-Philippine Luzon District.
The RICEsParK campsite in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, established by the Philippine Rice Research Institute and Kiwanis International-Philippine Luzon District. PHILRICE PHOTO
The 1,000-square-meter facility, situated within the 5-hectare FutureRice Farm in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, offers an alternative to typical recreational activities for children such as usual mall visits and frequent use of gadgets.
“RICEsParK is designed to creatively engage youth ages 10 to 15 as potential leaders in rice science and catalysts for prosperity in farming communities. They will be exposed to the work of DA-PhilRice and its partners, such as the Kiwanis International, in these areas,” said Karen Eloisa Barroga, PhilRice deputy executive director for development.
She said that the Department of Education will be tapped in engaging the youth to join the campsite programs, which combine leadership development with hands-on learning in rice science and farming.
At the RICEsParK, participants will gain valuable lessons through farm adventure games like kayaking and obstacle races, while exploring rice technologies, including advanced farm machinery and digital applications.
Set amid rice fields, the campsite also aims to nurture future leaders as progressive and entrepreneurial food producers.
John de Leon, PhilRice executive director, said that the initiative, one of the Institute’s new approaches, aligns with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.’s vision of making agriculture “sustainable, profitable and attractive to the younger generation.”
PhilRice is an agency under the Department of Agriculture (DA).
It can be recalled that during his appointment, the secretary highlighted the need to make agricultural investments and careers profitable to draw in young farmers and fishers.
Meanwhile, as part of the prelaunch activities, attendees also witnessed the planting of rice paddy art, featuring a Filipino who recently brought pride to the country.
The RICEsParK campsite and rice paddy art will be showcased during the upcoming Lakbay Palay event on September 18-19, which is expected to attract a thousand participants, including farmers, students and other stakeholders.
PhilRice is the country’s lead agency for rice research and development, aiming to improve rice farming communities despite challenges such as land conversion, population surge, high food consumption and climate change.
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