Rice, the Staple Food of Every Filipino Household

Philippine cuisine is highly extensive with its dishes, ranging from fiery Bikol Express to sweet and savory Adobo, to Kare-Kare with a heaping of bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) on the side. Every Filipino dish is seen as a masterpiece, combining strong aromas and rich flavors to leave a long-lasting impression on each person, enticing them to come back for more.

Despite the variety of Filipino cuisine, the one ingredient that holds meals together isn’t the meat, sauce, or spice. For every Filipino, no meal is complete without rice. In the Philippines, rice is more than just a grain, it is a lifestyle, the center of every meal, and the staple food in every household.

According to a study, the average Filipino eats rice three times daily: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. About 80% of the population depends on rice as their staple.

The Philippines is a country that is heavily reliant on the agricultural sector which is a major contributor to the gross domestic product (GDP), to the point that the Senate of the Philippines referred to it as the “backbone” of the Philippine economy. In a 2022 report, the share of agriculture in the Philippines’ GDP was 9.55%, while the industry contributed approximately 29.23%, and the services sector contributed about 61.22%.

Despite having a crucial role in the progression of the economy, the agricultural sector continues to face numerous difficulties, most notably climate change impacts and lack of government support. These adversaries affect the productivity and sustainability of farming, resulting in higher prices in the market as well as influencing the availability of rice.

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that a kilogram of special rice had an average retail price of PHP 63.64 during the second phase of August 2024. The rising price of rice affects not only Filipino households but also farmers. To meet demands, the Philippines resorts to rice despite being the eighth-largest rice producer in the world, accounting for 2.8% of global rice production.

The Philippines is predicted to remain the number one global rice importer in 2024, taking about 3.8 million tons. This hampers rice production in the Philippines and threatens food security as well, gradually breaking down the self-sufficiency of the national rice supply.

However, despite the economic threats and logistical challenges, unlimited rice, commonly known as “unli rice,” remains a celebrated aspect of Filipino dining culture. While considered by many to be a marketing gimmick, the concept of “unli rice” also brings the beauty of Filipino culture to the rest of the world. It is a concept that embodies the Filipino spirit of sharing and warm hospitality, central to many cultural traditions.

There is a growing irony that while rice is a staple in the daily lives of Filipinos, struggles in rice production and pricing persist, and it may continue for a longer period. Many fight for more practical, effective, and sustainable solutions for the betterment of society. Filipinos must remember to appreciate the unwavering dedication and hard work of many farmers for every scoop of rice placed on the table.

Every scoop of rice served with kindness can turn into a powerful reminder of the efforts of beloved Filipino farmers, as well as the lasting connections and joy that each grain brings. The world may be full of uncertainties but each spoonful of rice can help remind Filipinos of their roots and the taste of home. More than unli rice, it is also about having unli hope, unli dedication, and unli love.