The Philippines has saved an estimated P3.6 billion worth of uncooked rice, based on the current price of P43/kg, due to reduced rice wastage across the country. Data from the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) from 2018-2019 showed that daily rice wastage per household averaged 53g of cooked rice. Using the 2020 population as a reference, DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) translated this to an estimated reduction in uncooked rice wastage from 9g (almost 2 tablespoons) per person in 2009 to 6g (1 tablespoon) per person in 2024.Dr. Hazel V. Antonio-Beltran, National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) lead and head of the Development Communication Division of PhilRice, emphasized the importance of sustaining efforts to further eliminate rice wastage. “Despite the significant savings, the amount of rice wasted could still sustain 2.79 million people for a year. This highlights the need for stronger advocacy on responsible consumption. Our theme for NRAM until 2028, ‘BeRICEponsible,’ carries the important reminder: ‘Kanin ay wag sayangin’ (Do not waste rice),” Beltran said. As part of its efforts to reduce wastage, the institute conducted the “Half-Cup, Full-Heart” challenge from Nov. 1-28 to encourage Filipinos to order smaller rice portions and promote mindful consumption to reduce wastage. The initiative also involved engaging food establishments to offer half-cup rice servings as an option to help reduce uneaten leftovers. Additionally, it promoted rice produced by farmers participating in PhilRice’s RiceBIS 2.0 Program.To inspire participation, the challenge featured a raffle with a grand prize of P40,000, plus weekly prizes of P1,000 for winners from NCR, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Winners were announced during the NRAM culmination event on Nov. 29, streamed live on the Be RICEponsible Facebook page.The Be RICEponsible campaign has garnered widespread support from a variety of sectors, including restaurants and their associations, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), telecommunication companies, the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), GMA-7, Sparkle GMA Artist Center, and others. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. also emphasized the importance of adopting sustainable practices.“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.Proposed national bills are set to play a crucial role in promoting responsible rice consumption and reducing wastage across the country. Complementing this, nine provinces, 21 cities, and 17 municipalities have already passed ordinances mandating food establishments to offer half-cup rice servings on their menus.An Executive Order is also being prepared to encourage food establishments nationwide to adopt similar practices, ensuring a more sustainable approach to rice consumption.“With support from the Private Sector Advisory Council, we are working toward expanding the implementation of half-cup servings, particularly in government offices and events, in the near future,” Beltran said.Beltran explained that these ordinances are not about limiting consumption but about offering choices.“Many Filipinos struggle to finish a full cup of rice. Providing smaller portions and cutting the price would benefit everyone who wishes to avail smaller portions and help prevent waste while respecting individual preferences,” she added.