DA-7 Launches #BROWN4good Challenge

The Department of Agriculture (DA-7) recently launched the #BROWN4good Challenge in Cebu.

During the press conference, DA-7 Information Officer Cheryl dela Victoria said this campaign aims to help the country’s local farmers to link them with good establishments and retailers, and help them become entrepreneurs.

“This is also in support of the Be Responsible advocacy campaign of DA through social media that aims to boost the economy and production of brown rice in the country,” continued dela Victoria.

The event was attended by the information officers of various government agencies and media.

Presidential Assistance for the Visayas Sec. Michael Dino with DA 7 Regional Technical Director Joel Elumba unveiled the “Mr. Brown Rice” logo.

Dela Victoria said that those wishing to join their challenge should post photos of meals with brown rice in all their social media accounts using the hashtags #BROWN4good #region7.

Each hashtag is equivalent to 100 grams of brown rice.

Dela Victoria said they aim to generate at least 50,000 hashtags to achieve their target of having 100 sacks of brown rice for the charities that will receive these sacks as donation.

Dela Victoria also shared that DA is now negotiating with malls for an agreement to require their concessionaires to sell brown rice to the public.

Dir. Elumba said brown rice is more nutritious than the regular white rice.

According to DA-7, brown rice has higher protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants compared with white rice.

Brown rice could help achieve self-sufficiency because of the 10% higher milling recovery,

Buying brown rice would mean supporting local farmers and helping them increase their income.

For every hashtag, the department will feed one less Filipino with brown rice through charities.

DA-7 officials encouraged the public to eat brown rice to be able to achieve the challenge and at the same time it is a healthy choice. (rmn/hfg/DA-7)