How can we truly help our country reduce rice importation? According to recent data reported by the USDA, the Philippines has become the top importer of rice with 3.9 million metric tons from January to December 2023 which China only have 3.5 million metric tons in this period. China has increased their rice importation by about 500,000 metric tons, having 4 million metric tons seems to regained their position as top importer in the projected data next year from January to August 2024.
The Philippines significantly facing rice problems in terms of shortages, along with a continuous increase in market prices. Do we need to change our diet? How do we address this problem?
As citizens, we could support the government in securing funds, reducing importation, and lowering the market price of rice.
1. Grow Your Own Food
Reducing our reliance on rice can help decrease its consumption. Root crops such as cassava and sweet potato, among others, can serve as alternatives to rice.
2. Avoid Leftovers
Cook only the necessary amount of rice for each meal to prevent leftovers. Ensure that the rice is cooked properly and not burnt at the bottom. Burnt rice often ends up being forgotten and turns into leftovers by the end of the day. Despite the scarcity of rice, many of us still end up with leftovers in our kitchens. This can be prevented by being a responsible consumer. Don’t wait until tomorrow; start today. According to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Filipinos waste hundreds of thousands of tons of rice daily.
"Dr. Flordeliza Bordey, she said that every Filipino wastes an average of 3 tablespoons (9 grams) of rice daily, based on a 2008 FNRI survey. With 94 million people (National Statistics Office 2010) and 9 grams of wasted rice per day (FNRI 2008), the total wastage is 308,000 tons: 36% of the 2011 rice imports." - That rice you throw away by Rice Today IRRI
3. Save all the every little grains
Be careful when handling rice grains as farmers cannot manufacture rice; they produce it for 4-5 months. A single grain loss can have a significant impact.
4. Do not promote “Unlimited Rice Restaurants"
Unlimited rice significantly contributes to high rice consumption in the Philippines per capita. Customers have no choice but to eat more rice than they regularly consume. If we serve 1/2 cup or 1 cup of rice per customer, they can control the amount of rice they eat at the moment.
In summary, being responsible consumers and business owners when handling and consuming rice every meal can significantly reduce the possible huge amount of rice loss. We can help reduce the Philippines’ rice consumption per capita, and the government can invest the saved budget for importation to improve and support Filipino farmers instead.
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