DFoST's 'Rice to Rise" wins Changemaker Challenge

Another feather has been added to Department of Food Science and Technology's (DFoST) cap as three (3) Bachelor of Science in Food Technology (BSFT) students won the Changemaker Challenge during the Orange Talk Series #5 Special Edition in celebration of the International Youth Day 2021.

Announced on Thursday, August 12, 2021, Eden Vina Grate, Jolina Ladan, and Rovic Oppus are one of the 3 winners out of 38 high quality proposals accepted from different Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. Other two (2) winners are both from Indonesia.

With their entry "Rice to Rise", they proposed the development and utilization of rice hull paper bags in rice retail stores in Southern Leyte as an alternative to non-biodegradable plastic packaging.

Their proposal tackled about limiting the usage of plastic bags, where 'rice waste becomes a way to rise over plastic pollution."

In the video, Grate shared that it is a common practice for Filipinos to buy 1-3 kilograms of rice per purchase for a week consumption where in most cases, retailers use plastic bags to package the rice, or double them, to ensure its durability.

Mr. Pet Anthony Pascual, who served as mentor and coach, believed that there is a clear demand to develop another alternative for plastic bags.

"Our proposal is innovative, sustainable, and practical to contribute to a circular food system. This way, we are not just creating a positive impact for the future with an eye to society and economy, but also becoming a solution to our pollution," Mr. Pascual said.

In her Facebook post, Department Head, Dr. Mary Ann Jilly R. Ramirez, extended her congratulations to the winners and research mentor, saying "the whole SLSU DFoST is proud of you!"

Nuffic and Netherlands Education Support Offices (Neso) in Indonesia and Vietnam, together with NL alumni networks, and Dutch coalition partners launched the #EmpowerYouth4Food campaign on April 22, 2021 as part of the effort to inspire the young generation in Southeast Asian countries and Bangladesh to become more involved in shaping the future for sustainable agriculture, it’s website says.

The campaign also features the Changemaker Challenge, which encourages students from vocational level up to university level to come up ideas to stimulate innovations for a sustainable agri-food value chain in the region.

This Orange Talk is part of the one-year #EmpowerYouth4Food campaign, which highlights challenges and opportunities of youth-led innovation for sustainable agriculture and food systems in Southeast Asia and Bangladesh.