NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Third Regular Session 
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez 
House Bill No.  _____ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Many countries have in place existing laws to combat food waste which shows their 
commitment to sustainable development goals, especially SDG 12 on Responsible 
Consumption and Production. 
In the Philippines, food waste is a significant issue even with millions of Filipinos 
experiencing hunger and malnutrition. An estimated 2.6 million tons of food is wasted each 
year, amounting to billions of pesos in losses, and contributing to environmental degradation 
through increased greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane, from decomposing food 
in landfills. 
This proposed bill seeks to establish a legal framework that reduces food waste across 
the country, promotes the redistribution of edible surplus food, and fosters a culture of 
responsible food consumption. 
Aside from reducing food waste, this bill seeks to encourage food donation, promote 
awareness and education about the impact of food waste, and strengthen waste management 
practices. 
It is hoped that this bill would be a valuable tool in the Philippines' fight against hunger, 
environmental degradation, and economic inefficiency. It would reduce waste, benefit 
communities in need, and foster a more sustainable, circular food economy.  
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly requested. 
RUFUS B. RODRIGUEZ 
11054
November 11, 2024
1:44 pm


NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Third Regular Session 
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez 
House Bill No.  _____ 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING 
A 
COMPREHENSIVE 
FOOD 
WASTE 
REDUCTION 
AND 
REDISTRIBUTION PROGRAM, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
Section 1. Short Title – This Act shall be known as the “Food Waste Reduction and 
Redistribution Act”. 
Section 2. Declaration of Policy – It is the policy of the State to: 
1. Promote food security and reduce hunger in the Philippines by facilitating the
redistribution of surplus food.
2. Protect the environment by reducing the amount of edible food waste sent to landfills,
thereby reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability.
3. Encourage public and private entities to adopt responsible practices regarding food
waste.
4. Enhance awareness and education among the public on food waste reduction and
sustainable consumption.
Section 3. Definition of Terms – For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall be defined 
as: 
1. Food Waste – Any edible food that is discarded, whether in whole or in part, by
producers, retailers, wholesalers, restaurants, or consumers, and is no longer fit for
consumption due to improper storage, packaging, or surplus production.
2. Edible Surplus Food – Food that is still safe for consumption but is not sold, consumed,
or utilized in its entirety due to overproduction, near expiry, or other factors.
3. Food Recovery – The process of collecting edible food from businesses, markets, or
households and redistributing it to organizations or communities in need.
4. Food Redistribution Organizations – Non-profit organizations, charities, food banks,
and similar entities that collect and distribute food to people facing food insecurity.
5. Commercial Establishments – Any business involved in the sale of food, including but
not limited to restaurants, supermarkets, wholesalers, and food producers.
6. Food Waste Audits – The process of assessing the quantity and types of food waste
generated by businesses and institutions to identify areas for improvement.
Section 4. Obligations of Commercial Establishments 
A. Food Waste Reporting and Audits:
a. All commercial establishments involved in food production, distribution, or
retail, 
including 
restaurants, 
supermarkets, 
food 
wholesalers, 
and
manufacturers, shall conduct annual food waste audits.
b. Establishments must submit a report to the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Social Welfare and
11054


Development (DSWD) on the amount and type of food waste generated, as 
well as efforts taken to reduce waste. 
 
B. Food Donation Requirement  
a. All commercial establishments with surplus edible food that has not reached 
expiration or is still safe for consumption shall donate it to recognized Food 
Redistribution Organizations; 
b. Donations shall be made in accordance with safety and health standards as 
prescribed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of 
Health (DOH);  
c. The government shall create a Food Donation Database to facilitate matching 
surplus food with local redistribution groups and institutions. 
 
C. Reduction Targets  
a. By the end of the third year of implementation, businesses must reduce food 
waste by at least 30% compared to their baseline year through improved 
inventory management, proper storage practices, and waste reduction 
techniques.  
b. By the end of the fifth year, this target shall be increased to 50%. 
 
Section 5. Protection from Liability – Commercial establishments, producers, and other food 
donors shall not be held liable for any harm resulting from the consumption of donated food, 
provided the food is safe for consumption at the time of donation and is donated in good faith.  
The government shall provide a certification process for donated food to ensure it 
complies with health standards and is safe for redistribution. 
 
Section 6. Tax Incentives for Donors – Food donors who comply with the provisions of this 
Act shall receive tax credits or deductions equivalent to the value of the food donated, in 
accordance with existing tax laws.  
A special fund shall be established to incentivize food donations and assist Food 
Redistribution Organizations with logistics and operations. 
 
Section 7. National Food Waste Reduction Program – The government, through the 
Department of Agriculture (DA), the DENR, and the DSWD, shall conduct nationwide 
awareness campaigns on the importance of reducing food waste, encouraging responsible 
consumption, and supporting food redistribution.  
The campaign will target schools, universities, businesses, and households, utilizing 
media, social platforms, and public outreach programs. 
The government shall support research into food waste prevention technologies and 
systems that can be adopted by businesses and households to reduce waste and increase 
efficiency in food supply chains.  
 
Section 8. Food Waste Reduction in Government Facilities – All government offices, including 
those in local government units (LGUs), shall implement food waste reduction programs, 
including reducing food waste in government-run canteens and kitchens.  
Food waste generated in government facilities shall be minimized, separated, and sent 
to appropriate redistribution channels or composting facilities. 
 
Section 9. Role of Local Government Units (LGUs) – Each LGU shall create and implement 
a Local Food Waste Reduction and Redistribution Plan, which includes supporting local food 
banks, partnering with businesses for food recovery, and promoting food waste awareness in 
communities.  
LGUs shall incentivize local businesses to participate in food donation and waste 
reduction programs. 
 


Section 10. Implementation and Enforcement – The DENR, in partnership with the DSWD 
and the DA, shall establish a Food Waste Reduction Office (FWRO) tasked with monitoring 
compliance, overseeing food recovery efforts, and promoting best practices in food waste 
reduction across sectors.  
The FWRO shall also maintain the National Food Donation Database. 
Section 11. Compliance and Penalties a. Any commercial establishment found in violation of 
the donation and waste reduction provisions of this Act shall be subject to fines and penalties, 
including: 
a. fine not exceeding Php 100,000 for the first offense;
b. fine of Php 200,000 for the second offense and possible suspension of business
permits.
Repeated violations may result in revocation of business permits and other legal actions. 
Section 12. Appropriations – The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act shall 
be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
Section 13. Separability Clause – If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or 
invalid, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect. 
Section 14. Repealing Clause – All laws, decrees, orders, or regulations inconsistent with the 
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
Section 15. Effectivity – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,