Rice is the primary staple food of Filipinos, and it constitutes the highest amount of calories for energy in the typical daily diet. Its production and marketing are important sources of income and employment for millions of Filipinos.
In relation to the importance of rice in the diet, the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department Of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) conducts food consumption surveys (FCS) every five years to generate data on consumption of rice and other foods eaten by Filipinos.
The results of said surveys showed that the average rice intake per person in 1993 was 272 grams per day, while in 2008, it was 307 grams with an increment of 35 grams.
The per capita intake of milled corn, a secondary Filipino staple food, was 34 grams in 1993 and 18 grams in 2008, which implies that rice is more preferred than corn.
By region, consumption data showed that Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Southern Mindanao and Western Mindanao consume a mixture of rice and corn.
With increasing rice intake, programs and policies should gear towards increasing rice production such as brown rice, to minimize, if not totally avoid costly rice importation.
For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Tel/Fax Num:8372934 and 8373164; email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service: Press Release – IMELDA ANGELES AGDEPPA, Ph.D.
