In recognition of the Filipino farmers’ achievement in 2021, the record high palay output is showcased in this year’s dry season paddy art at the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute’s (DA-PhilRice) Future Rice Farm in Nueva Ecija.
“The farmer’s image along with the 19.96MMT figure signifies that this accomplishment is for and by the hardworking rice farmers of our country,” Nehemiah L. Caballong, lead artist of the rice paddy art, said.
Another paddy art was also created in support of the “Vote S.A.F.E. (Safe, Secure, Accurate, Free and Fair Elections) Pilipinas” campaign of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
Jose Mari Z. Nombrere, one of the leads in the 14th paddy art planting, explained that the artwork also raises awareness on colored varieties such as the traditional purple, which is used in the paddy art.
Over 60 DA-PhilRice staff and laborers participated in the planting of NSIC Rc 10 and traditional purple rice to create the images.
The Future Rice Farm, which started featuring rice paddy arts in 2015, is now open for group visitors that are fully-vaccinated, aged 18-64, and coming from places with the same COVID-19 alert system classification as Nueva Ecija. They are required to send a letter indicating the purpose of visit with an endorsement letter from the LGU, which will be approved by the Institute’s executive director.
