Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel backed proposed bills to promote half cup servings of rice, saying that at least 300,000 metric tons of rice are wasted each year.
Laurel emphasized the importance of adopting sustainable practices, adding that proposed national bills are set to play a crucial role in promoting responsible rice consumption and reducing wastage across the country.
The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) development communication division head Hazel Antonio-Beltran cited data from the Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute from 2018 to 2019 which showed that daily rice wastage per household averaged 53 grams of cooked rice.
She said that the passage of a law will play a crucial role in promoting responsible rice consumption and reducing wastage across the country, saying that 9 provinces, 21 cities, and 17 municipalities have already passed ordinances mandating food establishments to offer half cup servings of rice on their menus.
“Many Filipinos struggle to finish a full cup of rice. Providing smaller portions and cutting the price would benefit everyone who wishes to avail smaller portions and help prevent waste while respecting individual preferences,” Beltran added.
She adds that the country has saved at least P3.6 billion worth of uncooked rice due to reduced rice wastage nationwide, which translates to a reduction in uncooked rice wastage from almost two tablespoons (9 grams) per person in 2009 to one tablespoon (6 grams) per person in 2024.
“Despite the significant savings, the amount of rice wasted could sustain 2.79 million people for a year. This highlights the need for stronger advocacy on responsible consumption,” Beltran said.
As part of its efforts to reduce wastage, the institute conducted the “Half Cup, Full Heart” challenge to encourage Filipinos to order smaller portions and promote mindful consumption to reduce wastage and uneaten leftovers.
Rice wastage has been a perennial problem for Filipinos. If we weren’t the world’s biggest importer of rice, that wouldn’t be so bad, but we are, so the effort to change our mindset when it comes to the issue is both long overdue and appreciated. Considering that the amount of rice we waste could sustain 2.8 million people for a year, responsible rice consumption can answer the problems of hunger and food security without us having to do too much, other than being mindful of how we consume and waste our staple food.*
