Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. on Wednesday dared the country’s top rice breeders to turn silver into gold, challenging scientists at the Philippine Rice Research Institute to outdo Mabango 3’s second-place finish at the World’s Best Rice 2025 Awards.
Secretary Tiu Laurel’s message: Prove to the world that Filipino science doesn’t just measure up—it can cook, compete, and command global demand.
The challenge comes on the heels of an unexpected win. “Last month, as the country bore the brunt of Typhoon Uwan… good news emerged from Phnom Penh,” Tiu Laurel said. “A rice variety developed by Filipino breeders—NSIC Rc 218 SR, or Mabango 3, known commercially as Dinorado—won the silver medal at the World’s Best Rice 2025 Awards.”
Mabango 3 was edged out only by rice varieties from Cambodia and Vietnam, which shared the gold in a rare tie. The contest drew 30 varieties, mostly from heavyweight exporters such as Thailand, India, and Australia—making the Philippine win even more remarkable.
“Developed by the Department of Agriculture–PhilRice, this win is a well-deserved salute to the dedication of our scientists, coming during the 40th anniversary of PhilRice,” the secretary said. “This is proof that Filipino scientists are world class.”
Bred by a team led by Thelma F. Padolina and Emily C. Arocena, it was approved by the National Seed Industry Council in 2009 as a premium rice variety. Mabango 3 was designed for tenderness, flavor, and an aroma that can elevate even the humblest viand into a fine-dining experience. Those traits captivated the judge, Chef Robert Nieto—better known as Chef Buttercup—the reigning “Lord of Rice” crowned in California last September.
“I am very glad with this achievement that puts the Philippines on the global map. This means that rice produced by Filipino breeders are at par with the rest of the world,” said Padolina. “And at PhilRice, you can rest assured that we will do better to scale higher heights in the global stage. Thank you for this recognition.”
Secretary Tiu Laurel noted that Mabango 3 can yield up to 8 metric tons per hectare when grown on irrigated land. With its global recognition and strong yield potential, he urged PhilRice to ramp up seed production of the award-winning variety to boost local supply.
He added that scaling up Mabango 3 should translate into higher incomes for farmers and help steer Filipino consumers away from their growing preference for imported rice.
Tiu Laurel said Mabango 3 is only the beginning. PhilRice, he noted, has many varieties worthy of global attention. With sustained research and sharper refinement, he believes the Philippines is inching closer to claiming the top prize.
Over the past 40 years, PhilRice has developed 121 varieties in its quest to develop high-yielding, quality and climate-resilient rice.
“Silver will soon turn into gold,” Tiu Laurel said—throwing down a challenge, and a promise, for the next generation of Filipino rice. ###
