PH’s Dinorado rice named 2nd best worldwide—DA
The country’s Dinorado rice variety, formally called NSIC Rc218 and popularly known as “Mabango,” has clinched the silver medal at the World’s Best Rice Award held last week in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
“Out of 30 entries from rice powerhouses like Thailand, India, and Australia, Mabango outshone 27, proving it has both the substance and the scent to stand among the planet’s finest grains,” the Department of Agriculture (DA) said in a statement.
The competition was judged double-blind by chef Robert Nieto, the reigning lord of rice, it added.
The country’s rice entry was submitted by the Philippine Rice Industry Stakeholders Movement (Prism). Dinorado, which was developed by the agriculture department’s Philippine Rice Research Institute in 2009, is known for its aroma, tenderness and taste.
The silver medal, according to Prism founder Rowena Sadicon, is an upgrade from the country’s third-place finish last year.
Putting PH on the map
“This win isn’t just about quality, it’s about identity—a reminder that the Philippines is not only the world’s largest rice importer, but also a nation capable of producing world-class, sustainable and export-worthy rice,” Sadicon said.
For Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., “this is proof that our local farmers and scientists can hold their own against the world’s best.”
Dinorado came in second behind a two-way tie for gold awarded to Vietnam’s three-time champion ST25 rice, and Cambodia’s seven-time winner Phka Rumdoul rice.
