A locally bred rice variety has placed the Philippines among the top rice producers in the world after being recognized at the World’s Best Rice 2025 Awards in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
NSIC Rc 218 SR, also known as Mabango 3 or Dinorado, developed by the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice), was hailed among the world’s finest for its soft texture, fragrance, and grain quality during the Global Rice Trade Conference held from November 7 to 9.
Thirty varieties from Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Australia, and the Philippines joined the competition, which was judged through a double-blind process led by “Lord of Rice” contest winner Chef Robert Nieto.
“This affirms that our research program at DA-PhilRice is fully capable of delivering products, varieties in this case, that genuinely advance the general welfare of our rice farmers and the Filipino people. This is, in fact, our purpose, the reason for our being. World-class na bigas, kaya ng Pinas,” said Dr. John C. de Leon, PhilRice executive director.
Developed by breeders Thelma F. Padolina and Emily R. Arocena, Mabango 3 was approved for commercial cultivation in 2009. It can yield up to eight tons per hectare, matures in 120 days after seeding, and grows to 106 centimeters, making it suitable for most local conditions.
The variety is a favorite among farmers and consumers because of its aroma and texture. Traders buy it at a higher price than ordinary rice.
Rowena Sadicon of the Philippine Rice Industry Stakeholders Movement (PRISM) submitted the variety as the country’s entry to the global competition.
The annual event, organized by The Rice Trader (TRT), gathered more than 400 delegates from the rice industry, trade, and government. It serves as a venue for recognizing excellence and strengthening international partnerships in the rice sector.
