Department of Social Welfare and Development  (DSWD) Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo said that the Department strongly supports the campaign of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to bring healthy eating habits and diets back to every Filipino home by encouraging the consumption of  brown rice as an alternative to white rice during meals.

DA’s #BROWN4goodChallenge campaign aims to promote the consumption of brown rice to promote  good health among Filipinos, as well as a way to support Filipino farmers and encourage the purchase of their produce.

The campaign is also a means to  highlight National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) this November. The celebration is extended until December  5 so that more Filipinos can be reached by the campaign.

Under the campaign, all are enjoined to consume brown rice as it has more nutritional value than polished rice. The DA is publicizing the list of different farmers’ cooperatives nationwide which can supply premium brown rice at very affordable prices.

Among the health benefits of eating brown rice are the following: brown rice is more nutritious in terms of vitamins, minerals, protein, antioxidants; it can help prevent cardiovascular diseases, cancer and Type 2 diabetes; lowers blood pressure; and, can reduce the chance of overeating because of its higher satiety level.

The Secretary also supported the campaign as it would be good for the Filipino farmers’ livelihood. Producing brown rice would mean adding value to the white rice that could help farmers compete with imported white rice.

“We have encouraged our canteen to serve brown rice anytime this month until December 5, or even make brown rice as one of the daily food choices served the Department’s employees,” Sec. Taguiwalo said.

She also encouraged local government units (LGUs) through the DSWD-Protective Services Bureau, to serve brown rice during the conduct of Supplementary Feeding Program for children.

Likewise,  DSWD centers and institutions are encouraged to serve brown rice for the residents.

“We would like the DSWD employees, our center-residents, and children-beneficiaries to prioritize healthy eating, especially, in our present times when incidents of Filipinos dying of degenerative diseases are increasing,” Sec. Taguiwalo added.

The Secretary also appealed to the public to support the #BROWN4goodChallenge campaign and be part of a noteworthy cause to preserve one’s own good health while helping Filipino farmers market their produce. #