Lawmakers Advocate Half-Cup Rice Serving to Reduce Waste
Lawmakers have backed a recommendation to require all establishments to offer half-cup rice servings. This measure targets rice wastage, a pressing issue affecting the Filipino staple food. The move aims to lessen food waste and enhance food security nationwide.
On June 11, during the final day of the plenary session, the House of Representatives approved the House quinta-committee’s Committee Report No. 1518. This report contains multiple proposals addressing rice supply, high-value crops, livestock and poultry sectors, and credit and finance systems.
Key Proposal: Half-Cup Rice Serving to Minimize Waste
Among the joint panel’s key recommendations is mandating establishments to provide half-cup rice servings upon request. The lawmakers emphasized that rice wastage remains a significant concern, contributing to food insecurity and economic inefficiency in the country.
To enforce this, violators may face fines ranging from ₱10,000 to ₱100,000. Moreover, businesses can be suspended for at least 30 days for non-compliance, signaling the government’s firm stance on reducing rice waste.
Supporting Agriculture and Trade Reforms
The quinta-committee also proposed supporting farm production, exempting agricultural machinery from value-added tax (VAT), and permitting foreign shipowners to operate locally to lower logistics costs. They recommended reviewing tariff adjustments and expediting the implementation of the Anti-Agriculture Economic Sabotage Act.
Restoring the National Food Authority’s powers and enhancing price monitoring are also part of the reforms aimed at stabilizing the rice and high-value crop industries.
Addressing Livestock and Poultry Challenges
For the livestock, poultry, and dairy sectors, the committee urged the swift procurement of African swine fever (ASF) vaccines. This would be funded through the Quick Response Fund under the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act.
They also proposed streamlining import processes and increasing tariffs on mechanically deboned meat (MDM) to curb technical smuggling abuses. Implementing the Cold Examination Facility for Agriculture (CEFA) project is seen as crucial for improving border inspections of agricultural imports.
Enhancing Credit and Finance Access for Farmers
To boost farmers’ access to credit, the panel suggested amending laws related to credit quota non-compliance and extending financial services to remote barangays. They also recommended relaxing regulations and exploring alternative methods to engage more farmers.
Further, they advocated for increased credit financing for high-value crops and livestock, alongside encouraging farmer clustering along value chains to strengthen the agricultural economy.
Committee Leadership and Objectives
The quinta-committee was co-chaired by several representatives, including the chairs of Committees on Ways and Means, Trade and Industry, Agriculture and Food, Social Services, and the Special Committee on Food Security.
Their joint efforts focused on identifying laws affecting food security and social protection, aiming to enhance current monitoring and oversight mechanisms.
For more news and updates on rice wastage, visit Filipinokami.com.