The Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) – Agriculture Sector, along with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., are advancing efforts to promote food security and sustainability through the Brown Rice/Single-Pass Rice Initiative and the Half-Cup Rice Initiative.
The programs, discussed during the 8th PSAC meeting in Malacañang, focus on reducing rice waste, encouraging healthier consumption habits and improving the nation’s rice self-sufficiency, last Wednesday.
PSAC lead convenor and Aboitiz Group president and chief executive officer Sabin Aboitiz estressed the importance of the initiatives.
“These efforts go beyond just addressing food security. They represent a meaningful step toward sustainability, healthier living and making more efficient use of our resources. By increasing awareness of brown rice’s benefits and addressing rice wastage through the Half-Cup Rice Initiative, we can collectively create impactful change,” he said.
The Brown Rice Initiative aims to position brown rice as a healthier and more sustainable alternative to white rice.
With its nutritional advantages, higher milling recovery and lower production costs, brown rice has the potential to increase the country’s rice self-sufficiency from 80 percent to 90 percent.
“Promoting brown rice adoption is not just about a healthier option—it’s about building a more resilient and sustainable future for Filipino agriculture,” said Aboitiz.
The Half-Cup Rice Initiative seeks to reduce rice waste by piloting smaller portions in government institutions and encouraging responsible consumption through public campaigns.
“Simple changes, like serving half-cup portions, can have a profound impact. By reducing rice waste, we can save enough rice to feed millions of Filipinos and optimize our resources more effectively,” Aboitiz said.
Both initiatives stress collaboration among government agencies, private sector leaders and local communities.
“Our approach is clear: we work together as a nation. These programs are a testament to the strength of private-public collaboration, and I’m optimistic that these efforts will deliver meaningful results,” Aboitiz said.
The government and the private sector aim to address critical food security and sustainability challenges to ensure long-term benefits to Filipino communities.
