The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) joins the series of activities in celebration of the National Rice Awareness Month this November and the Consumer Welfare Month last October.
In a half-day lecture at the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) Central Office last November 7, the MGB, along with representatives from other DENR attached agencies, attended the “Lecture on the Products and Services in the Digital Age.”
The participants were educated about rice consumption, consumer rights and cybercrime.
Ms. Myriam Layaoen, Campaign Director for the “Be RICEponsbile Program” of the Philippine Rice Institute, Department of Agriculture, promoted the responsible consumption and health benefits of eating brown rice. She said that there are ways to be “RICEponsbile” and these include getting enough rice during meals so as not to throw leftovers, knowing the farmers, eating rice substitutes, and eating brown rice.
Among the activities of the said campaign include tapping farmers to increase the production of brown rice, linking farmers to markets, and the promotion of brown rice.
In this regard, they are doing the “RICEponsbile Plate Challenge” where netizens are encouraged to post on Facebook until November 30, 2017, photos of their “healthiest and most balanced meal in a plate with the right amount of rice, rice mix, brown rice, pigmented rice, or other sources of carbohydrates like corn, banana, camote, etc.” Participants should post their photo entries publicly with the hashtag #RICEponsiblePlateChallenge and then tag the Be RICEponsbile Facebook page to qualify. According to their Facebook page, winners will be announced on December 18, 2017.
Meanwhile, Ms. Josephine Palima, Officer-In-Charge of the Consumer Product Advocacy Bureau, Department of Trade and Industry, discussed consumer protection on the quality of products and services available in the market or on the internet.
In relation to the celebration of the Consumer Welfare Month last October with the theme: “Consumer Rights in the Digital Age,” Ms. Palima educated the participants on consumer rights, responsibilities and common concerns when purchasing online. She also discussed online security tips.
Lastly, Mr. Victor Lorenzo, Supervising Agent of the Digital Forensic Laboratory, National Bureau of Investigation, discussed the different types cybercrime and the importance of keeping online accounts safe. He said it is important to change passwords; to not just click on random links that might lead to phishing websites; and to limit the information that people share online.
He also reminded the participants to be sensitive of others’ feelings before posting or commenting offensive things because it might lead to cyberbullying and possibly, suicide.
By: Mineral Economic, Information and Publications Division
Ms. Myriam Layaoen, Campaign Director, Be RICEponsible Program, Philippine Rice Research Institute
Ms. Josephine Palima, OIC - Consumer Product Advocacy Bureau, Department of Trade and Industry
Mr. Victor Lorenzo, Supervising Agent, Digital Forensics Laboratory, National Bureau of Investigation