Iloilo First District Representative Janette Garin has filed a bill mandating restaurants, canteens and other food establishments nationwide to serve half-cup rice to “minimize food waste.”
Under House Bill (HB) 9536, all establishments that serve cooked rice, including hotels and inns, are required to include one-half cup of rice in their menu “with the price amounting to half as well.”
Any establishment that fails to comply will be fined P10,000 for the first offense, P20,000 for the second offense, and P30,000 for the third offense.
In an explanatory note, Garin said the staggering reality of total food wastage in the country underscores the urgent need for sustainable practice and mindful consumption.
Based on data from the Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Imstitute (DOST-FNRI), the country wasted an average of 46 grams of rice per household every day in 2015.
At 22.975 million Filipino households during the year, the total rice waste was equivalent to 384,957 tons, which was worth P7.28 billion of imported rice.
“By implementing this measure, the legislation envisions a future where individuals have more freedom in their food options, establishments prioritize responsible serving practices, and the society with a sustainable and balanced approach to food consumption,” said Garin.
According to the Department of Agriculture’s PhilRice, 46 cities in the country are already implementing the half-cup of rice serving option, including Iloilo.
“It is high time to implement this measure nationwide as it can play a pivotal role in addressing the country’s rice self-sufficiency goals,” Garin said.IMT
