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PhilRice Camp Teaches Kids Rice Value in Nueva Ecija

Jun 09, 2026 1,345

As millions of Filipinos enjoy rice at every meal, a growing challenge threatens the country’s food security—rice wastage and the declining number of young people entering agriculture. In response, a unique summer camp in Nueva Ecija is helping children understand the value of every grain of rice and the hard work behind its production.

On May 26, 2026, children aged 10 to 12 participated in the Be RICEponsible Summer Leadership Camp at the RICEsParK of the Future Rice Farm in Nueva Ecija. The program aimed to teach young Filipinos about leadership, farming, and responsible food consumption while encouraging greater appreciation for the country’s rice farmers.

The initiative comes as the Philippines continues to face concerns over food waste and an aging agricultural workforce. Data from the Department of Science and Technology–Food and Nutrition Research Institute show that Filipinos waste approximately 542,477.6 metric tons of milled rice every year. Experts estimate that this amount could feed about 5.17 million people annually. At the same time, the average age of Filipino farmers has reached between 55 and 57 years old, highlighting the need to inspire younger generations to take interest in agriculture.

The camp was held at RICEsParK, an educational campsite developed through a partnership between the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and Kiwanis International–Philippine Luzon District. Designed as an interactive learning center, the facility provides children with hands-on experiences that introduce them to rice science, farming technologies, and agricultural leadership.

Participants took part in obstacle courses, rice science lessons, farm machinery demonstrations, and rice-themed art activities. Through these engaging exercises, children learned the A-B-C of being RICEponsible: avoid rice wastage, buy rice produced by Filipino farmers, and choose healthier rice options.

According to PhilRice Community Relations Office Head Laarnie L. Mandia, the camp was designed to help young people better understand the challenges faced by farmers and appreciate rice as more than just a daily staple. The activities also aimed to develop leadership skills and values that can contribute to the future of Philippine agriculture.

For many participants, the experience offered a new perspective on the food they eat every day. Eleven-year-old camper Jaked Lourd B. Dimatera said the camp taught him the importance of respecting the effort required to produce rice.

“We all learned that rice was not supposed to be wasted. In this simple action, we can show how we value the effort of our rice farmers,” he shared.

At the end of the program, participants took the Be RICEponsible pledge and were recognized as certified RICEponsible citizens. The recognition symbolizes their commitment to reducing food waste and supporting Filipino farmers through responsible consumption.

As the country works to strengthen food security, initiatives such as the Be RICEponsible Summer Leadership Camp demonstrate the importance of educating the next generation. By teaching children to value agriculture and reduce waste, programs like this help build a future where both farmers and consumers play active roles in securing the nation’s food supply.

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