Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. has called for renewed action to curb rice wastage in the Philippines, saying the current levels could feed 2.8 million Filipinos annually.
Data from the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) show that household rice wastage decreased to 255,000 metric tons in 2019, down from 340,000 metric tons in 2009. Despite this improvement, Tiu Laurel cited the urgency of addressing the issue.
“This progress is encouraging, but the numbers remain alarming,” said Sec. Tiu Laurel. “Imagine, the rice we waste in a year is enough to sustain millions of families. This highlights the need to revisit the ‘half-cup rice’ proposal to encourage more responsible consumption.”
The “half-cup rice” initiative, introduced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2013, promotes serving smaller portions to reduce waste and diversify meals.
According to a 2018-2019 Food and Nutrition Research Institute survey, the average Filipino household wastes 53 grams of cooked rice daily, equivalent to 6.4 grams of uncooked rice per person. The data exclude wastage from restaurants and other establishments, making the total potentially higher.
PhilRice Executive Director Dr. John de Leon supported the push for smaller portions, saying it could also address health concerns. “Serving half a cup of rice reduces waste and promotes healthier, more balanced diets,” he said.
Rice overconsumption has been linked to the rising prevalence of diabetes in the Philippines. In 2021, one in 14 Filipinos had diabetes, according to the International Diabetes Federation. The country’s white rice-heavy diet is a major factor.
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals aim to halve global food waste by 2030. Tiu Laurel said cutting rice wastage aligns with these objectives while easing the financial strain on rice imports and healthcare costs.
“This isn’t just about food security—it’s about sustainability and public health,” he added.
The renewed call for mindful rice consumption highlights its potential to conserve resources and improve health outcomes for Filipinos nationwide, he said. ###
