The Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) has urged Filipinos to start with half-cup servings of rice to reduce food waste, revealing that the country throws away an estimated ₱24.4 billion worth of rice annually.
According to PhilRice, each Filipino discards an average of two tablespoons of cooked rice daily. While the amount may seem insignificant, the accumulated waste nationwide reaches approximately 10.85 million sacks of rice every year.
The agency highlighted the figures on Nov. 11 as part of its campaign to encourage responsible rice consumption and prevent unnecessary food waste.
PhilRice recommends serving half a cup of rice initially and taking additional portions only when needed, rather than filling plates with more rice than a person can finish.
The estimated ₱24.4-billion annual loss demonstrates how small amounts of discarded rice can become a significant economic burden when multiplied across millions of households.
Beyond the financial cost, wasted rice also represents agricultural resources, including water, land, fertilizer, labor, and energy used in growing, harvesting, processing, and transporting the country’s staple food.
PhilRice emphasized that reducing food waste does not require drastic lifestyle changes. Simple practices such as preparing appropriate portions, properly storing leftovers, and avoiding excessive servings can help households make better use of their food supplies.
The agency’s recommendation also supports broader efforts to strengthen food security by reducing avoidable losses rather than relying solely on increased agricultural production.
