The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) re-launched the
ten-year-old Rice Science Museum with the theme, Lovelife with Rice during the recent 27th National Rice Research
and Development Conference held in Nueva Ecija.
“This
modified, redesigned science museum serves as our springboard in building a
Rice Science Exploratorium that we hope to accomplish five years from now,”
Diadem Gonzales-Esmero, museum curator, said.
While
there are museums around the country, she said a museum is yet to be
intensively dedicated to “spread the history, culture, arts and science behind
the Filipinos` staple.” Collection in the
re-launched museum is increased and expanded to retain its relevance in keeping
the cultural heritage and in fostering human development.
“There`s
undeniable value in establishing a rice science museum, especially if it will
be realized into a Rice Science Exploratorium. This one of a kind museum
promotes rice history and its cultural importance, influences generations of
Filipinos to appreciate rice science on a different light, and encourages
farming communities to practice modern rice farming technologies,”
Gonzales-Esmero said.
The
museum curator said the Lovelife with
Rice theme shows the intimate connection between a farmer, research and
development worker, and the ordinary passer-by with rice. She said that the collections tell about the
struggles of humans – from the establishment of the Ifugao Rice Terraces, green
revolution, until the development of modern technologies, to improve its
relationship with rice.
Currently,
the museum houses old and modern farm implements, artworks, and interactive
presentations on rice structure, ecosystems, biodiversity, and crop management.
The
establishment of Rice Science Exploratorium was approved in the Institute`s
Board of Trustees Meeting in July. With its approval, PhilRice hopes to
generate support from the private and public sector advancing the arts and
culture, education, and social progress.
Dr.
Segfredo Serrano, undersecretary for Policy, and Planning, Project Development,
R&D, and Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (DA); Edilberto de Luna,
assistant secretary for Operations and DA National Rice and Corn Program
coordinator; Juliet Annanayo, vice mayor of Hungduan, Ifugao; and Roscoe Kalaw,
head of Ifugao Cultural Office, graced the unveiling of the new Rice Science
Museum. (PhilRice news)
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