6 July 2004 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert announced the launching of a stamp design contest conducted by the Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) for commemorative stamps to be issued in October 2004 in line with the United Nations’ celebration of the International Year of Rice 2004.

The contest theme entitled “Ang Palay Ay Buhay” (Rice Is Life), is open to students at all levels according to Secretary Albert. The deadline for submission of entries is on 10 August 2004. Winning entries shall receive cash prizes. First placers will receive plaques of recognition from the United Nations and IYR Stamp Commemorative Frame.

According to Secretary Albert “The UN Resolution declaring this year as the International Year of Rice is an initiative of the Philippines. The resolution takes cognizance of the fact that rice is the staple food of more than half of the world’s population”. “The resolution also reaffirms the need to focus world attention to the role that rice can play in providing food security and eradicating poverty and in attaining internationally agreed goals indicated in the UN Millennium Development Goals” Secretary Albert added.

The President signed Proclamation 524 providing for the Philippine celebration of the International Year of Rice in 2004 and declaring the month of November each year as National Rice Awareness Month. “The observance of IYR in the country is intended to heighten public awareness on rice to address issues relating to malnutrition, poverty and the attainment of self-sufficiency,” Secretary Albert said.

Scheduled activities include rice exhibitions (there is one on going at the Greenbelt 3 lobby in Ayala Center, Makati) rice technology fairs, rice conference and seminar and thematic contests. END.