Philippine variety wins silver at World鈥檚 Best Rice Award
THE Philippines鈥 homegrown rice variety NSIC Rc218, popularly known as Mabango and sold locally as Dinorado, has won silver at the 2025 World鈥檚 Best Rice Award in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Chosen from 30 entries representing rice giants such as Thailand, India, and Australia, Mabango was chosen for its distinctive fragrance, tenderness, and flavor. Vietnam鈥檚 ST25 and Cambodia鈥檚 Phka Rumdoul varieties tied for gold.
Developed in 2009 by the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute, Mabango also won third place in the same competition last year.
Rowena Sadicon, founder of the Philippine Rice Industry Stakeholders Movement, which submitted the entry, said the victory highlights the growing competitiveness of Filipino farmers.
鈥淭his win isn鈥檛 just about quality. It鈥檚 about identity 鈥 a reminder that the Philippines is not only the world鈥檚 largest rice importer, but also a nation capable of producing world-class, sustainable, and export-worthy rice,鈥 Ms. Sadicon was quoted as saying in a statement.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said in a statement that the achievement is a 鈥減roof that our farmers and scientists can stand with the world鈥檚 best,鈥 and expressed hope that the Philippines could once again be-come a rice exporter. 鈥 Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel
