PSAC Promotes Brown Rice and Half-Cup Rice Initiatives to Boost Food Security

The Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) – Agriculture Sector is advocating for food security in the Philippines through the Brown Rice Initiative and the Half-Cup Rice Initiative, aiming to reduce rice waste and encourage healthier consumption.

During a meeting at Malacañang last Wednesday with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., PSAC discussed strategies to promote sustainable agriculture, improve the nation’s rice self-sufficiency, and foster healthier dietary habits.

Brown Rice Initiative

The Brown Rice Initiative seeks to position brown rice as a healthier and more sustainable alternative to white rice. According to PSAC Lead Convenor and Aboitiz Group President and CEO Sabin Aboitiz, this initiative highlights the nutritional benefits, higher milling recovery, and lower production costs of brown rice.

“Promoting brown rice adoption is not just about a healthier option—it’s about building a more resilient and sustainable future for Filipino agriculture,” Aboitiz stated.

The initiative has the potential to increase the country’s rice self-sufficiency from 80% to 90%, a significant step toward reducing dependence on rice imports.

Half-Cup Rice Initiative

The Half-Cup Rice Initiative aims to minimize rice wastage by piloting smaller portions in government institutions and running public awareness campaigns on responsible consumption.

“Simple changes, like serving half-cup portions, can have a profound impact,” Aboitiz explained. “By reducing rice waste, we can save enough rice to feed millions of Filipinos and optimize our resources more effectively.”

A Collaborative Effort for Sustainability

Aboitiz emphasized that these efforts extend beyond food security to include sustainability and resource efficiency.

“They represent a meaningful step toward sustainability, healthier living, and making more efficient use of our resources,” he said.

The PSAC initiatives underscore the importance of private-public collaboration to address critical food security challenges and ensure long-term benefits for Filipino families.

“These programs are a testament to the strength of private-public collaboration, and I’m optimistic that these efforts will deliver meaningful results,” Aboitiz added.