Mitigating high prices: Corn as affordable, healthy substitute for rice
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The budget-friendly substitute for rice made from milled corn or ‘mais’ has inspired communities in Libjo, Province of Dinagat Islands, to revive a frugal way of sustaining the staple as families feel the impact of high rice prices, stemming from the ongoing energy crisis.
This initiative is led by the local government of Libjo, under Mayor Melody L. Compassivo, through the Municipal Agriculture Office, which distributes milled corn to households in the barangays of Rosita and Bayanihan on March 18.
According to Mayor Compassivo, the activity aims to strengthen food security by engaging communities on alternative food sources in the municipality, especially with the spike in food and rice prices.
She shared its ongoing partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga under the Corn Program. This partnership included distributing hybrid corn seeds and fertilizers to farmers in Barangay Garcia on March 10 to boost corn production and make the town self-reliant.
“Tumong sa programa nga matabangan ang mga panimalay sa pagpakunhod sa gasto sa pagkaon samtang ginapalambo ang lokal nga produksyon sa mais. Nagpasalamat usab ang lokal nga panggamhanan sa padayon nga suporta sa mga ahensya nga mitabang para moabot kini nga serbisyo sa atong mga benepisyaryo para sa kalampusan sa maong programa. (The objective of the program is to help households mitigate rising food expenses while strengthening our corn production. We are also thankful to the different government agencies for allowing these services to reach the beneficiaries in the LGU and for the successful implementation of the program),“ the local executive said.
“Padayon ang LGU sa pagpalambo og mga programa nga makatubag sa panginahanglan sa katawhan ug makapalig-on sa agrikultura sa lungsod sa Libjo. (The LGU continues to support programs that can meet the needs of the communities and bolster the agriculture sector in the town of Libjo),” Compassivo added.
Meanwhile, milled corn is prepared through ‘buyok,’ a traditional cooking method that takes a shorter time. The milled corn is poured into a pot of boiling water on low fire, and stirred until the water disappears, the corn grits become soft, and it is ready to eat. This cooking method is also common in rural areas of the country during large gatherings like birthdays and fiestas.
While rice from cereal grain sells in the market at an average price of P60-65 per kilo, milled corn sells attractively from P45-50 per kilo. Corn, as an affordable rice substitute, is also known for its nutritional value, being rich in dietary fiber and low in calories. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from MIO Libjo)
