PhilRice, DA Push for Half-Rice Policy
HALF-RICE – The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) are renewing their efforts to promote half-rice servings in restaurants and cafeterias to reduce rice waste in the country. Each year, approximately 255,000 metric tons of rice are wasted, equivalent to 19-20 kilograms per household. This amount could feed around 2.79 million Filipinos annually.
Although the current waste is lower than the previous record of 300,000 metric tons, PhilRice believes that offering smaller rice portions could help reduce this figure even further. The plan would require food establishments to serve half portions of rice, benefiting individuals who cannot finish a full serving.
“So ang goal ng half cup actually ay para din maprotektahan ‘yung ating mga consumers na hindi talaga kayang umubos ng one cup, so ma-lessen ‘yung wastage. Tapos maprotektahan din ‘yung mga kababayan natin na may mga diabetes na hindi talaga nila kayang kainin ‘yung one cup,” said Hazel Antonio Beltran, head of PhilRice’s Development and Communication Division. She also mentioned that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who previously supported a similar idea, backs this proposal. Beltran expressed hope for a nationwide policy requiring food establishments to offer half-rice servings at reduced prices.
Currently, smaller food outlets already provide this option, but many fast-food chains have yet to adopt it. The initiative is expected to benefit individuals on diets, those managing health conditions, and those looking to save money by choosing smaller, more affordable servings.
The DA also emphasized the importance of educating the public, particularly children, about minimizing rice waste. DA spokesperson Arnel de Mesa suggested implementing awareness programs to teach children the value of rice and ways to avoid wastage. “Dapat mayroong educational activities, ituro sa mga bata kung paano pagtitipid ng kanin,” de Mesa said.
The proposed policy would not mandate all consumers to order smaller servings but would provide them with the option to do so. By making this choice widely available, the country could significantly reduce rice waste, encourage mindful eating habits, and improve public health.