The Philippines’ aromatic rice variety, NSIC Rc218, locally known as Mabango or Dinorado, secured the silver award at the 2025 World’s Best Rice competition held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, marking a significant improvement from its third-place finish in 2024.
The top prize was awarded jointly to Vietnam and Cambodia. Vietnam’s ST25 variety, a three-time champion, shared the gold with Cambodia’s Phka Rumdoul, which has now won seven titles.
Mabango was chosen out of 30 entries from major rice-producing countries including Thailand, India and Australia.
It was recognized for its distinctive aroma, soft texture and flavor. The contest was judged through a double-blind evaluation led by Chef Robert Nieto, popularly known as Chef Buttercup, the reigning “Lord of Rice” from California’s September contest.
The entry was submitted by the Philippine Rice Industry Stakeholders Movement (PRISM), which promotes locally produced premium rice in global markets. Developed in 2009 by the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice), Rc218 was bred for tenderness, taste and aroma.
“It shows that the Philippines is not only a rice importer but also capable of producing world-class, sustainable and export-quality rice,” said PRISM founder Rowena Sadicon, who added the group is optimistic about capturing the top spot in future competitions.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. commended the win, citing the award as proof of the skill and dedication of Filipino farmers and rice scientists.
The World’s Best Rice Award is part of the annual World Rice Conference organized by The Rice Trader, held this year from Nov. 7 to 9 in Phnom Penh.
