The Department of Agriculture (DA) is reviving a proposed measure encouraging restaurants, hotels, and eateries to offer half-cup rice servings to reduce wastage, Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa announced on Monday, December 2.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. is supporting the initiative, citing studies showing that at least 255,000 metric tons of rice are wasted annually, translating to over ₱3.6 billion in losses. The measure, which originated from a bill filed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his Senate tenure, aims to give consumers the option of smaller rice portions.
De Mesa highlighted that while rice wastage per Filipino has decreased from nine grams daily in 2019 to 6.4 grams, the issue remains significant. “The secretary is ready to assist lawmakers in crafting a bill to institutionalize the half-cup rice option,” he said, emphasizing that the initiative would not be mandatory.
The Philippine Rice Research Institute and other stakeholders have also advocated for the policy, projecting potential savings of ₱1.6 billion if wastage is halved.
Meanwhile, farmers’ groups are calling for a review of Executive Order 62, which reduced rice import tariffs but failed to lower retail prices. AGAP party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones criticized the EO for exacerbating smuggling and hoarding issues, resulting in billions of pesos in lost government revenue and dependency on imports.
Briones urged the DA to address the challenges and disclose the top rice importers to curb profiteering and stabilize prices for consumers.
