High school student leaders gained a deeper appreciation for agriculture and leadership at the recent pilot run of the BeRICEponsible Leadership Camp, held at the Philippine Rice Research Institute’s (PhilRice) RICEsParK in Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. The camp, themed “sParKing Future Rice Leaders,” aimed to inspire young “RICEponsible” leaders who are aware of the challenges faced by Filipino farmers and the importance of rice and rice science to the nation. Thirty participants experienced rice farming techniques and modern innovations while undergoing leadership training facilitated by experts.“This program not only deepened my appreciation for rice farmers but also taught me how to be an effective leader—skills I can use as a future educator,” said Tristan P. Collantes, a senior high school student from Muñoz National High School-Main.The camp’s Rice and Shine module provided insights into rice production, while leadership sessions led by Dr. Stachys Neil E. Espino, governor-elect of the Kiwanis International Philippine Luzon District, emphasized essential traits of effective leadership. Espino introduced the “seven sides of leadership,” supplemented with personal insights to encourage adaptability and resilience.Participants also explored innovations at the FutureRice Farm, including the Minus-One Element Technique (MOET) for soil nutrient management and modern farm machinery demonstrations. For Allysa Crisha Acosta, a Grade 10 student from Gabaldon Integrated School and a farmer’s daughter, the experience was educational and personal. “I was excited to try MOET and see how machines can make farming more efficient,” she said.The leadership camp, organized by PhilRice in collaboration with Kiwanis International, underscored the critical role of empowering youth to tackle the challenges in agriculture.“Shaping future leaders is crucial for the country’s food security,” said Dr. Diadem B. Gonzales-Esmero, RiceBIS program lead. “Through programs like this, we aim to create a lasting impact and inspire the next generation of agriculture champions.”PhilRice plans to make the BeRICEponsible Leadership Camp a regular program, as the agriculture sector seeks to attract younger, more innovative minds to secure the country’s food systems in the face of rising global challenges.