‘Mabango 3’ found resilient against floodwaters
‘If we want to increase rice production while strengthening climate resilience and food security, we must invest in varieties that can survive real field conditions, not just ideal ones.’
THE rice variety ‘Mabango 3’ has been found to be resilient even in floodwaters. The findings appear in the February 2026 issue of the Philippine Journal of Science.
Photograph courtesy of learnandlovephilippines/ig
Mabango 3, the rice variety that secured a silver medal at the 2025 World’s Best Rice Award, has been found to possess a rare resilience that allows it to sprout and grow even when submerged in floodwaters.
The variety, officially registered as NSIC Rc218, is the subject of a study published in the February 2026 issue of the Philippine Journal of Science. Scientists from the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) evaluated 94 rice lines and varieties to identify those capable of surviving anaerobic germination — the ability to sprout when oxygen levels are low due to flooding.
The findings come as the industry shifts toward direct seeding, a method where seeds are planted straight into the field to save on labor and water.
While more efficient, direct seeding leaves crops vulnerable to heavy rains that can flood fields during the early stages of growth, often leading to total crop loss.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the research is a breakthrough for food security in a region where flooding affects roughly a quarter of all rice-planted areas annually.
“If we want to increase rice production while strengthening climate resilience and food security, we must invest in varieties that can survive real field conditions, not just ideal ones,” Laurel said. “We are lucky our scientists developed Mabango 3; it is a gift that continues to give.”
The study utilized genetic screening to look for the AG1 marker, a specific DNA trait linked to flood tolerance. NSIC Rc218 emerged as a top performer, showing germination rates and seedling vigor comparable to specialized tolerant varieties.
The research also identified other promising candidates for flood-prone farming. NSIC Rc638 SR, a recently approved non-glutinous variety, recorded an 87 percent germination rate under stress, while the breeding line PR52390ILR-2-1-3-B also showed high potential for direct seeding systems.
Scientists cited that because Mabango 3 already possesses superior grain quality and aroma, its proven resilience makes it an ideal choice for farmers facing increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.