Special rice varieties being promoted under the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rice Research Institute’s (DA-PhilRice) Healthier Rice Program are gaining attention for their potential to address persistent nutrition and health challenges in the country.
In recent activities with University of Tokyo students and farmers in Northeastern Luzon, participants were introduced to rice types enriched with essential nutrients, including high-zinc rice, low-glycemic index rice, brown rice, pigmented rice, and beta carotene-enriched Malusog Rice
“I’m amazed that there’s more to rice. It’s such an easy commodity to overlook, which also makes it a powerful tool once more people gain access to healthier varieties,” said one Japanese student.
Farmers attending the 1st Regional Beef Cattle Congress and 2nd CVAFRREDN (Cagayan Valley Agriculture, Aquatic, Forestry, and Natural Resources Research and Development Network) Technology Forum at the DA-Quirino Experiment Station likewise expressed interest in planting these types of rice once they become commercially available.
“These healthy rice varieties offer promise for Filipino children and families. When these become available, I hope to plant them in my own field,” said farmer Patricio M. Penuaga from San Guillermo, Isabela.
Nutrition remains a major public health concern in the country. Data from the 2023 National Nutrition Survey of the Department of Science and Technology–Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) show that 23.6% of children under five are stunted, while 15.5% have vitamin A deficiency. Among adults aged 20 to 59, 7.5% are diabetic, according to the 2024 International Diabetes Federation. The Philippine Statistics Authority also recorded over 282,000 deaths due to non-communicable diseases last year.
PhilRice said the promotion of healthier rice varieties is part of ongoing efforts to improve diets, prevent lifestyle diseases, and offer Filipino families more nutritious food options while supporting local rice farmers.
