PSAC pushes brown rice, half-cup rice initiative to ensure food security

The Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) – Agriculture Sector has been pushing for food security in the country through Brown Rice or Single-Pass Rice Initiative.

This was discussed during a meeting with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in Malacañang last Wednesday.

The said meeting focused on reducing rice waste, encouraging healthier consumption habits, and improving the nation’s rice self-sufficiency, PSAC said.

According to PSAC Lead Convenor and Aboitiz Group President and CEO Sabin Aboitiz, these efforts go beyond ensuring food security in the country.

“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,” Aboitiz said in a statement.

The Brown Rice Initiative seeks 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, Aboitiz said brown rice has the potential to increase the country’s rice self-sufficiency from 80% to 90%.

“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 said.

The Half-Cup Rice Initiative, meanwhile, seeks to reduce rice wastage 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.

“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 added.

Through these initiatives, the PSAC stressed that the government and private sector aim to address critical food security and sustainability challenges, which will ensure long-term benefits for Filipinos. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News