The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas said the Department of Agriculture (DA) proposal to revive Marcos Jr’ half cup of rice bill reveals how out-of-touch the agency is regarding the real situation of farmers and consumers. “A national law is not needed to impose the serving of half rice in establishments.”

Many Filipinos can’t afford to eat rice for every meal. Walang nasasayang na kanin sa hapag ng mga magsasaka at manggagawa?” according to KMP secretary general Ronnie Manalo.

Philrice-DA said 385,000 metric tons of rice worth Php 7.2 billion, goes to waste each year. The agency said it is equivalent to two tablespoons per Filipino. This prompted the agency to suggest the revival of a measure filed by Marcos Jr when he was still a Senator encouraging establishments to serve half a cup of rice. He also advised the public to consume only what they need.

“It is not in the psyche of Filipinos to waste food, especially rice which is our main staple. In fact, the majority are affected by the rising cost of rice. Dapat tingnan bakit may nasasayang habang marami ang walang makain,’ Manalo said.

The group further said there is no justifiable reason for another wave of rice price hikes. “Current rice prices are unaffordable as it is. Any upward rice price adjustment is surely the handiwork of price manipulators and importers.” Kahit tumaas ng kaunti ang presyo Ng palay, hindi dapat tumaas ang presyo ng bigas,” Manalo said, noting that palay prices range differently depending on location and conditions. Wet palay ranges from P17-19 while clean and dry ready-to-mill ranges from P23-P25 per kilo.

KMP said farmers should constantly demand DA and Agri Sec Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr to address the high cost of palay production and reverse liberalization policies in the agri sector. #