(An Analysis of the Story)
Introduction
Popong Eats His Rice is an exemplary and
commendable story by Chat Garrido-Ocampo,
a teacher and a mother of two. It is crafted with the help of illustrations
made by Grace Dy, an Educational Communication major. It is presented through
the sponsorship of the Department of Agriculture in partnership campaign of the
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
Objectives:
Using
the Pahinungod Approach in this story, I have come up with these objectives
that every listener/viewer of this presentation should realize and find out at
the end of the story.
·
Realize the
importance of rice and emphasize how it is actually produced or processed;
·
Imply the
importance of food conservation and wise consumption; and
·
Emphasize the roles
of parents and institutions (i.e school, community, organizations such as the
Department of Agriculture and IRRI) in the information dissemination/discipline
towards rice and/or food.
Review
and Analysis
It
is a fact that we, especially the kids disregard the importance of food, in
this story, the very common rice, in our diet. More often, they really don’t
care at how it is raised by the ever industrious farmers in the field, how many
months of heat, sweat, and wait did it take them to harvest his yield, how our
parents come up with their budget for rice, and collectively, how many people
would be happy and full if they have the food that little kids ignore.
This
educational and at the same time adding the twist of humor, fantasy and
adventure is a form of communication widely used by development practitioners
in partnership with various organizations, mostly by agriculture and
consumption sectors.
The
story uses a typical setting, characters, and scenarios to denote and impose
real life situations in which the readers can cope up or relate to. Adding some
creativity through visualizing the union and cooperation of characters and
mystical beings to solve the problem/conflict of the story, the story is
successful in delivering normal conversations and descriptions of events that
is totally mesmerizing to little audiences with young tastes.
 |
| I ate my rice! |
The
typical home setting is effective in presenting real life experiences. A mom
and a picky child is an excellent choice of primary characters to denote
reality and for complete understanding and interconnections.
The
appearance of mystical/personified characters is perhaps the best way to catch
young listeners’ full attention and interest. Using this strategy, the book
highlights its morale and self-reflection among the audience. In this case,
there is a communication between primary to secondary characters. To sustain
the interest, there is an adventure or exploration used to change the monopoly
of the setting. There are simple conversations that are vital to support
action, and visuals to make an impact of color and creativity.
More
of an advertising propaganda for advertising in research and discovery, the
overall technique is pleasing and convincing.
The
story might be successful in promoting awareness for rice consumption and
conservation and at the same time, promotes it as a source of energy.
Conclusion
The
Philippines, a tropical country, has abundant and staple supply of rice for
every Filipino. But the most important thing to reflect in here is our attitude
in consuming it.
"What would be our smallest action would be
our biggest contribution to the conservation of rice and improvement of lives."
We, as
educated and responsible people should discipline not just ourselves, but every
person in our homes, in consuming rice or else, the Rice Prince might just have
a visit and let all of us experience how to become a rice!
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Image Source: http://www.visualphotos.com/photo/2x2735424/boy_eating_rice_from_bowl_CB104398.jpg
