MANILA, Dec. 4 -- The Philippines' NSIC Rc 218 SR, also known as Mabango 3 or Dinorado, has achieved quality comparable to premium imported rice, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Wednesday.

The recognition came after Dinorado was named second-best among 30 varieties in the World's Best Rice 2025 Awards held in Cambodia in November.

Dinorado followed Cambodia and Vietnam, which finished in a rare tie for gold, while surpassing the qualities of other major exporters such as Thailand, India, and Australia, among others.

In a press conference, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the award demonstrates the capability of Filipino breeders to produce rice that meets global premium standards.

"Ang magandang bali...