MANILA, Philippines — At least 300,000 metric tons of rice are wasted each year, according to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., as he backed proposed bills to promote half-cup servings.

“With around 300,000 tons of rice wasted annually, selling half-cup rice servings offers a practical way to reduce wastage. Eating rice wisely is a responsibility we all share,” he said.

Tiu 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.

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.

Beltran said that the passage of a law will play a crucial role in promoting responsible rice consumption and reducing wastage across the country.

She said that nine provinces, 21 cities and 17 municipalities have already passed ordinances mandating food establishments to offer half-cup rice servings on their menus.

She maintained that these ordinances are not about limiting consumption but about offering choices.

“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.

According to Beltran, the DA and PhilRice will also propose to President Marcos to issue an executive order to encourage food establishments nationwide to adopt similar practices, ensuring a more sustainable approach to rice consumption.

“With support from the Private Sector Advisory Council, we are working toward expanding the implementation of half-cup servings, particularly in government offices and events, in the near future,” Beltran said.

Meanwhile, Beltran said that the country has saved at least P3.6 billion worth of uncooked rice due to reduced rice wastage nationwide.

Beltran said using the 2020 population as a reference, this translates to reduction in uncooked rice wastage from almost two tablespoons (nine grams) per person in 2009 to one tablespoon (six grams) per person in 2024.

“Despite the significant savings, the amount of rice wasted could still sustain 2.79 million people for a year. This highlights the need for stronger advocacy on responsible consumption,” Beltran said.

She said that as part of its efforts to reduce wastage, the institute conducted the “Half-Cup, Full-Heart” challenge to encourage Filipinos to order smaller rice portions and promote mindful consumption to reduce wastage.

The initiative also involved engaging food establishments to offer half-cup rice servings as an option to help reduce uneaten leftovers.jilibay

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