SAN MATEO, Isabela - Rice is a staple food for millions of people around the world. It outlasts almost any kind of food, tastes good and goes well with just about anything. White or polished rice is also a good source of nutrient since various vitamins and minerals are often added to the grain to make up for what has been lost in milling.

The good news is that rice has become even better. The qualities that have made rice a family favorite among Filipino households can now be found in Bigante Rice.

Bigante is developed from special hybrid rice seeds developed by Bayer CropScience Inc., carefully planted, harvested and milled under strict quality control procedures. Unlike conventional inbred rice, Bigante is a high-quality, strong rice variety that grows easily and promises bigger and better harvest to farmers.

Field tests conducted in various areas of the country prove this. Farmers in Isabela, Nueva Ecija, Davao, Agusan Del Sur and North Cotabato reported an additional yield of two to five tons per hectare using Bigante Hybrid Rice Seeds. The same survey found that the Bigante was about 40 percent superior over the rice varieties. This translates to bigger earnings for rice farmers.

However, Bigante Rice is not only food for commercial crop producers. For health-conscious moms who love their families, Bigante offers a tasty and affordable alternative to other rice varieties. One finds the goodness of white or polished rice with every serving of Bigante. Each cup of Bigante Rice goes well with any meal and is packed with protein (for growth and maintenance of muscles), calcium (for strong bones and teeth), carbohydrates, iron, and Vitamins B1, B2 and B3 (for energy). With Bigante Rice, quality is assured from the field to your plate, making it the ideal rice not only for homemakers but also for restaurant owners.