Philippine rice takes bronze in global contest

Philippine rice won bronze at the 2026 International World Rice Conference in Makati City, placing behind Myanmar and Vietnam in a global competition that assessed grain quality, aroma and eating experience.

The Department of Agriculture (DA), led by Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., supported the Philippine entry alongside the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and the Masagana Rice Industry Development Program.

“This recognition affirms that Philippine rice can compete on the world stage,” Tiu Laurel said.

Myanmar claimed the World’s Best Rice title, while Vietnam took silver. India and Thailand received Special Honorable Mentions.

The Philippine Rice Industry Stakeholders Movement (PRISM), led by Rowena Sadicon, nominated the country’s entry and submitted a local rice sample for evaluation.

A panel of chef judges known as the “Lords of Rice” evaluated the entries through double-blind judging, assessing aroma, cooked texture, grain quality and overall eating experience.

Tiu Laurel also stressed the need to translate the achievement into tangible gains for farmers through research, higher productivity and better access to quality rice, pointing to the potential of Philippine rice in international markets.

However, the DA noted that the award alone does not guarantee higher farmgate prices, improved farmer incomes or more affordable rice for consumers.

The Philippine delegation also included rice breeders Thelma F. Padolina and Emily C. Arocena, whose work on Mabango 3 (NSIC Rc 218 SR) helped the country secure silver at the 2025 competition.

The DA said the latest award highlights the role of sustained agricultural research in improving local rice quality and strengthening its competitiveness in international markets.