Headline
Philippine-bred Mabango 3 rice wins silver at World’s Best Rice Awards
ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 21, 2026
Photo courtesy: Department of Agriculture
A rice variety developed by Filipino breeders has earned international recognition after winning silver at the 2025 World’s Best Rice Awards in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
The NSIC Rc 218 SR, also known as Mabango 3 and sold commercially as Dinorado, placed second among 30 entries during the competition held as part of the Global Rice Trade Conference from November 7 to 9, according to the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice).
Entries came from rice-producing countries including Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Australia and the Philippines. Mabango 3 was recognized for its aromatic quality, soft texture and grain characteristics.
Vietnam’s ST25 and Cambodia’s Phka Rumdoul shared the top prize in a rare tie for gold.
Mabango 3 was bred at PhilRice by Thelma F. Padolina, Emily C. Arocena and their team. The National Seed Industry Council approved the variety for commercial cultivation in 2009.
PhilRice said the variety has a potential yield of up to eight tons per hectare and matures around 120 days after seeding.
The Philippine Rice Industry Stakeholders Movement submitted Mabango 3 as the country’s entry to the competition. The rice was evaluated through a double-blind judging process led by chef Robert Nieto, winner of the Lord of Rice culinary competition.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. later said the government plans to further develop and increase production of the variety. He said expanded production through government nurseries could eventually make the rice available to more farmers, including potential distribution under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund program.
The silver finish adds to Mabango 3’s international recognition after the Philippine variety placed third in the same competition in 2024.
PH-bred rice wins world silver | Department of Agriculture
PH-bred rice wins world silver | Department of Agriculture
PH-bred rice wins world silver | Department of Agriculture
PH-bred rice wins world silver | Department of Agriculture
