2026 USM Founding Anniversary Activities
September 17, 2026
The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) is set to support the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) Midsayap in promoting responsible rice consumption following a meeting on September 16, 2026, at the Office of the President, Administration Building, USM, Kabacan, Cotabato. During the meeting, DA-PhilRice Midsayap presented its “Let’s Be RICEponsible, Everyday!” campaign.
The campaign encourages the public to avoid wasting rice, support local rice farmers, and choose healthier rice and other locally available carbohydrate-rich foods.
During the meeting, Dr. Sailia E. Abdula, DA-PhilRice Midsayap Branch Director, introduced the ABC of being RICEponsible, which stands for Avoid, Buy, and Choose.
He explained that being RICEponsible means avoiding rice waste, buying rice from Filipino farmers, and choosing healthier options like brown, pigmented, high-zinc, and low-glycemic rice. He also encouraged eating local foods such as corn, saba banana, sweet potato, and adlai.
DA-PhilRice Midsayap sought USM’s support in promoting the advocacy and raising awareness about responsible rice consumption among the University community and the public.
USM President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel expressed his support for the project and assured DA-Philrice of the University’s help in promoting the campaign and encouraging people to take part.
