Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has thrown his support behind the Department of Agriculture's (DA) proposal to promote half-rice servings in restaurants as a measure to combat food wastage in the Philippines. Emphasizing food security as one of his legislative priorities, Go called on Filipinos to adopt practical and sustainable practices to reduce waste.

"Napakalaking tulong kung mababawasan ang nasasayang na bigas. Sa dami ng Pilipinong gutom araw-araw, hindi natin afford mag-aksaya ng pagkain. Kumuha lang tayo ng sapat na kakainin," Go urged in a recent statement.

According to the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), an estimated 255,000 metric tons (MT) of rice — equivalent to roughly 5 million sacks — are wasted annually. This amount could feed around 2.79 million Filipinos for an entire year. Acknowledging this alarming data, the DA is actively supporting local ordinances and pushing for nationwide implementation of half-cup rice servings.

The economic implications of this initiative are significant. If the wasted rice valued at PHP 43 per kilogram were saved, it would translate to approximately PHP 3.6 billion in savings annually. DA officials also emphasized the need to reduce wastage to maximize resources and allocate them to critical food programs.

Go, who serves as a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, has consistently supported policies aimed at addressing food security and enhancing agricultural resilience. He is among the authors of Republic Act No. 11901, which seeks to improve access to credit for farmers, fisherfolk, and agri-based workers in rural communities. This law aims to boost agricultural productivity and enhance the well-being of workers in the sector.

In addition, Go co-sponsored RA 11953, or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, which forgives loans incurred by agrarian reform beneficiaries. He has also filed Senate Bill No. 2117 to provide comprehensive crop insurance for farmers and SBN 2118 to strengthen the insurance system against the impacts of natural disasters.

"Kapag inuna natin ang kapakanan ng ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda, mas matitiyak natin ang seguridad sa pagkain ng bawat Pilipino. Hindi pwedeng pabayaan ang sektor na nagbibigay sa atin ng pagkain sa mesa," Go stressed.

Aside from legislative action, Go urged Filipinos to be mindful of their consumption habits. Such anti-wastage initiatives, he said, fosters a culture of responsibility and empathy toward those experiencing hunger.

"Hindi lang ito tungkol sa pagtitipid kundi sa pagiging responsable. Kapag kumuha ka ng sobra, may iba kang kinukuhaan ng oportunidad na makakain. Isipin natin ang mga gutom na kababayan natin," Go remarked.

The senator also expressed optimism that collective efforts between the government and citizens could significantly reduce wastage and ensure that food resources are utilized effectively.

Go's advocacy complements ongoing government efforts to stabilize food prices and improve agricultural systems. However, challenges such as rising costs of basic commodities like fish remain, driven by factors including closed fishing seasons and the impacts of recent typhoons.

To address these issues holistically, Go reiterated the need for stronger agricultural support systems. He underscored his commitment to working with fellow lawmakers to enact policies that safeguard the interests of farmers, fisherfolk, and vulnerable populations.

"Kung sama-sama tayo — gobyerno, pribadong sektor, at mga Pilipino — kaya nating gawing mas matatag ang ating bansa sa usapin ng pagkain. Sikapin nating wala dapat magutom sa Pilipinas. Importante na may laman ang tiyan ng kapwa nating Pilipino," Go concluded.