The current rice wastage in the country could feed up to 2.8 million Filipinos every year, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said on Tuesday, Dec. 3, as he pushed for the implementation of a “half-cup rice” policy in restaurants, canteens and even eateries. 

Citing data from the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Laurel also said that household rice wastage decreased to 255,000 metric tons in 2019, down from 340,000 metric tons in 2009.

Despite such improvement, Laurel said the matter is still very concerning.

“This progress is encouraging, but the numbers remain alarming,” he said.

The Philippines, according to him, needs to revisit the “‘half-cup rice’ proposal to encourage more responsible consumption.”

Based on the survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute from 2018-2019, the average Filipino household wastes 53 grams of cooked rice every day, equivalent to 6.4 grams of uncooked rice per person.

The survey data exclude wastage from restaurants and other establishments, making the total potentially higher.

In 2013, President Marcos, who was then senator, introduced the “half-cup rice” initiative by filing a bill that seeks to promote serving smaller portions to reduce waste and diversify meals.

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.

Laurel said the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals aim to halve global food waste by 2030. 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 went on.