BIZ BUZZ: Philippine rice reaps bronze harvest
The Philippines is once again on the international map after one of its rice varieties bagged a bronze award at the 2026 International World Rice Conference.
It may be lower than last year’s silver, but the Department of Agriculture still finds reason to celebrate as this marks the second straight year that Philippine rice was recognized in the competition.
Myanmar bagged the gold award with its rice entry named the World’s Best Rice, while Vietnam took home the silver award.
Special honorable mentions were given to rice varieties of India and Thailand.
Chef judges, known as Lords of Rice, evaluated premium rice varieties worldwide through a double-blind judging process based on aroma, texture, grain quality and overall eating experience.
The Philippine Rice Industry Stakeholders Movement (PRISM) submitted the Philippine entry to the World’s Best Rice.
Among the country’s representatives were Thelma Padolina and Emily Arocena, rice breeders behind Mabango 3 or NSIC Rc 218 SR, which bagged the silver award in the 2025 World’s Best Rice tilt.
“This recognition affirms that Philippine rice can compete on the world stage,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said.
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