DA: 300,000 MT rice wasted yearly

At least 300,000 metric tons of rice are wasted each year, according to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., as he backed proposed bills to promote half-cup servings.

- By BELLA CARIASO

"With around 300,000 tons of rice wasted annually, selling half-cup rice servings offers a practical way to reduce wastage. Eating rice wisely is a responsibility we all share," he said.

Tiu Laurel emphasized the importance of adopting sustainable practices, adding that proposed national bills are set to play a crucial role in promoting responsible rice consumption and reducing wastage across the country.

Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) development communication division head Hazel Antonio-Beltran cited data from the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute from 2018 to 2019 which showed that daily rice wastage per household averaged 53 grams of cooked rice.