By Kenneth Marcos 
Inside a small classroom in Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija, the joyful voice of a young boy filled the room as his classmates listened closely. With confidence beyond his six years, John Tovee Domingo Allarde stood before his peers and read aloud the story “Si Rica at ang Mahiwagang Brown Rice,” drawing smiles from teachers and students celebrating National Reading Month.
John Tovee, a Grade 1 pupil from San Francisco Elementary School, was chosen to read the story as part of the school’s effort to promote love for reading and introduce children to lessons on health, nutrition, and the importance of agriculture. The activity highlights how stories can teach children values early—especially when it comes to food and the hard work of Filipino farmers.
In the story, Rica discovers the health benefits of brown rice. She learns that eating nutritious rice helps keep the body strong and shows respect for every grain harvested by farmers. Teachers said the message matches this year’s National Rice Awareness Month campaign, which encourages Filipinos to be “RICEponsible” by avoiding food waste, choosing healthier rice options, and appreciating the efforts of those who grow the country’s staple crop.
Teacher Alona Manalili led the activity with the support of school principal Diosdado dela Cruz. They emphasized that reading sessions like this help young learners become more curious and thoughtful, especially when stories connect to real-life issues such as nutrition, farming, and responsible consumption.
Educators in the province shared that introducing agricultural themes in children’s literature makes students more aware of where their food comes from. With many families relying on rice every day, the story of Rica becomes a relatable way for children to understand why the rice they eat should not be wasted.
“Si Rica at ang Mahiwagang Brown Rice” is written by Noel Casubha and Lorelie Vee Domingo. Teachers noted that simple stories like this can spark interest in reading while teaching children to value farmers’ contributions to society.
As National Reading Month continues, schools across Nueva Ecija are planning more activities to build children’s reading skills and deepen their awareness of Filipino agriculture. For John Tovee and his classmates, the experience is a reminder that stories can shape both the mind and the heart—one page at a time.
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