By Oliver T. Baccay

SAN MATEO, Isabela (PIA) — The biology students from Isabela State University (ISU) expressed strong support for the production of Malusog Rice, recognizing its potential to combat vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and improve the nutritional status of Filipinos.

During the university’s BioWeek 2025 celebration, which was attended by over a hundred students, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) highlighted the nutritional benefits of Malusog Rice and its role in addressing malnutrition in the Philippines.

According to PhilRice, the Malusog Rice is a new variety that contains a significant amount of beta carotene in its grains. When regularly consumed as a staple, it can provide at least 30 percent of the estimated average requirement for vitamin A.

Rachel Ann Corlan, a student, stated that Malusog Rice, also known as Golden Rice, will contribute greatly to the government’s food sufficiency agenda and help eradicate hunger and malnutrition in the country.

“If Malusog Rice flourishes, it could feed millions of Filipinos, reduce hunger and malnutrition, and be a great help to our country,” Corlan said.

Christopher Acosta, another student, also shared his firsthand experience with Malusog Rice, noting that it tastes no different from regular white rice. The only difference, he said, is the color.

“I was able to try Golden Rice in 2023, and it doesn’t taste any different from the white rice we’re used to. I hope that soon, PhilRice will be recognized, and genetically engineered rice varieties will become accepted,” Acosta added.

PhilRice has been promoting Malusog Rice to improve diets, particularly for those at risk of vitamin A deficiency. (OTB/PIA Region 2 with reports from Charlene R. Bumanglag, DA-PhilRice Isabela)

Published Date: April 10, 2025