By Paulo Loreto Lim

The Iloilo City Council unanimously passed an ordinance recently requiring food establishments to offer “half-rice” options on their menu.

According to Iloilo City Councilor Ely Estante, who authored the legislation, the ordinance will ensure rice conservation and promote rice self-sufficiency in the city.

Based on the ordinance, “half-rice” is at least 80 grams and the attending service crew member must inform customers of the option.

The policy applies to all food establishments, including canteens, fast food restaurants, cafeterias, and carinderias; however, buffets, eat-all-you-can, and places offering “unli-rice” are exempted.

Establishments found in violation of the ordinance are issued a warning on their first offense, assessed a P3,000 fine on the second, P5,000 on the third, and suspension of their business license for every month of non-compliance on their fourth./PLL, WDJ