Filipinos urged to start with half-cup rice servings to help address rice shortage
Consumers can help address the country's rice concerns by minimizing the portions they eat, the Philippine Rice Research Institute said as the country observes National Rice Awareness Month.
In an interview with PTV, PhilRice Deputy Executive Director for Development Karen Eloisa Barroga emphasized that promoting responsible rice consumption should not fall solely on farmers, urging Filipinos to make more mindful decisions about the rice they prepare and consume every day.
"Rice is life, so ito pong mensahe namin dito ay tatlong letra lang para mas mabilis tandaan. A is avoid rice wastage. B is buy farmers' rice, so support our local rice. At ang pangatlo po is C, choose healthier rice," she said.
Asked about the country's issue of 11 million sacks of rice wasted each year, Barroga encouraged Filipinos to begin with smaller servings to prevent leftovers from going to waste.
"Ini-encourage talaga namin sana magsimula sa half cup rice serving para mas ma-manage po ang pagkain kasi puwede ka naman bumalik," she said.
"Minsan after the kainan, ang daming sayang na kanin," she added. "Kinakampanya po namin 'yun na hindi lang po ang mga magsasaka ang makakatugon lagi sa ating kakulangan sa bigas, pero ang mga consumers ay pwedeng-pwede rin pong makatulong sa kampanya na ito."
Barroga also underscored the importance of buying locally produced rice.
"Ang kahalagahan kasi ng local rice, ito ay mas ligtas kasi sa mismong lupa natin tinanim. Ang kagandahan din po nito, dahil kami po ay PhilRice, inaano po namin na huwag silang mag-spray masyado kung kinakailangan. So, relatively free from chemicals ang ating mga local rice," she explained.
She also maintained that Filipino rice varieties can compete with those produced by other countries in terms of taste and quality.
Beyond supporting local farmers, the agency is also encouraging consumers to explore healthier alternatives to ordinary white rice. Dr. Barroga highlighted several healthier rice varieties, beginning with brown rice, which retains its nutrient-dense bran layer. This layer is exceptionally high in dietary fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals that promote digestive health, aid in weight management, and support heart health.
In addition, pigmented rice varieties—such as red, purple, and black rice—are rich in powerful antioxidants like anthocyanins, while low-glycemic-index rice are good for diabetics. She also mentioned high-zinc rice, which is recommended mostly to combat nutritional deficiencies in kids.
And lastly, rice mix, including rice and corn, rice and adlai, rice and saba, offers a versatile way to enhance daily nutrition.
According to the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute, every Filipino wastes an average of two tablespoons of rice daily. This totals 11 million sacks, or worth P24.4 billion, wasted annually, which could otherwise feed 5.17 million Filipinos for a year.
Undersecretary Christopher V. Morales noted that total rice losses across the entire supply chain, from farming and post-harvest handling to consumer waste, reach 2.28 million metric tons each year. That amount is enough to feed 21.7 million Filipinos for a year.