Dinorado, the aromatic rice many Filipino households save for special occasions, just won Silver at the 2025 World’s Best Rice Competition in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This marks a significant improvement from its third-place finish in 2024, proving that the Philippines is steadily moving up the global rice stage. Vietnam and Cambodia took the gold — Vietnam’s ST25 variety, a three-time champion, shared the top spot with Cambodia’s Phka Rumdoul, a seven-time winner. Mabango, as NSIC Rc218 is locally known, was chosen from 30 entries representing major rice-producing countries including Thailand, India, and Australia. Its distinctive aroma, soft texture, and flavor helped it stand out in a rigorous double-blind evaluation led by Chef Robert Nieto, popularly known as Chef Buttercup, the reigning “Lord of Rice” from California.

What makes this win even more meaningful is that Dinorado was developed by Filipino scientists in 2009 under the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice). It was grown and submitted by Filipino farmers and the Philippine Rice Industry Stakeholders Movement (PRISM), an organization that promotes locally produced premium rice in global markets. This wasn’t a stroke of luck; it was the result of consistent research, careful breeding for tenderness, taste, and aroma, and the dedication of farmers and industry stakeholders who often go unrecognized.

The bigger story goes beyond the medal. For years, we’ve been so focused on rice imports that we’ve unconsciously accepted the idea that local varieties are inferior. Dinorado’s win challenges that mindset head-on. It reminds us of a truth we rarely acknowledge: We’re not lacking. We’re undervaluing. The quality, talent, and potential exist right here. We just don’t celebrate them enough.

This silver medal is more than an achievement for agriculture. It’s a reflection of what’s possible when Filipino expertise is supported and spotlighted. As PRISM founder Rowena Sadicon said, this recognition proves that the Philippines can produce world-class, sustainable, and export-quality rice, and the group is optimistic about capturing gold in future competitions. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. also commended the win, noting it as proof of the skill and dedication of Filipino farmers and rice scientists. 

Filipino excellence is closer than we think, and it’s time we start recognizing it for what it is.