House approves bill encouraging food donation and recycling to cut food waste

News Wire via The Philippines Herald | House approves bill encouraging food donation and recycling to cut food waste

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a measure designed to reduce food waste while expanding food donations to communities facing hunger.

Lawmakers voted 247 in favor, none against, and one abstention to pass House Bill No. 8043, which promotes the recovery of edible surplus food from restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, food manufacturers, and other large establishments for redistribution to people in need.

The proposal, commonly referred to as the Food Waste Reduction and Prevention Act, aims to establish a framework for businesses to donate excess food that remains safe for consumption instead of discarding it. The measure also encourages recycling or alternative use of food scraps that are no longer suitable for human consumption.

House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos said the measure responds to the paradox of food waste occurring alongside persistent hunger in many communities. He noted that redirecting surplus food to accredited food banks and charitable organizations could help families struggling to access regular meals.

Several lawmakers served as principal sponsors of the bill, including Jesus “Bong” Suntay, Marlyn Primicias-Agabas, Brian Poe, Janice Degamo, Raymond Adrian Salceda, Rufus Rodriguez, Maximo Rodriguez Jr., Agatha Paula Aguilar Cruz, Audrey Kay Zubiri, Salvador Pleyto, Jose Manuel “JM” Lagdameo, Timothy Joseph Cayton, Ciriaco Gato Jr., Rebecca Maria Alcantara-Ynares, Karen Lagbas, Lani Mercado-Revilla, Eulogio “Leo” Rodriguez, Arlyn Ayon, Robert Nazal, and Sarah Jane Elago, among others.

Under the proposed law, covered establishments would be encouraged to develop systems for identifying and segregating edible surplus food that can be safely donated to food banks, non-government organizations, and community feeding programs.

The bill also outlines mechanisms for managing food that is no longer safe for consumption. Instead of ending up in landfills, food waste may be redirected for composting, fertilizer production, animal feed, or other recycling processes, helping reduce environmental impact.

Government agencies and local governments would play a role in implementing the program. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is expected to help identify food-insecure communities and coordinate with accredited food banks and charitable groups that will distribute donated food.

Supporters of the measure say the initiative could help address both food insecurity and environmental sustainability by reducing the volume of food waste generated by commercial establishments.

If enacted, the proposed law could encourage restaurants, supermarkets, and food manufacturers to adopt more responsible food management practices while supporting feeding programs for vulnerable sectors.

The House-approved measure will now move through the legislative process as lawmakers await action on a corresponding bill in the Senate. Once both chambers approve their respective versions, the proposed law would be subject to bicameral reconciliation before it can be sent to the President for signature.