by Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol

Chairman, Mindanao Development Authority

Mindanao's outstanding vegetable farmers and best seeds will be known this weekend during the final day of the IMTASULA Vegetable Derby from Dec. 10 to 12.

The awarding ceremonies will cap the season-long competition aimed at identifying seeds of Carrots, Cabbage and Chinese Cabbage most suited to the highlands of Mindanao.

The program will also award the "Carrot King," "Cabbage King" and "Chinese Cabbage King" title to farmers with the best quality vegetables.

Aside from the trophies, outstanding farmers will each receive a 15-cu.ft. home refrigerator donated by Sanden Cold Chain System Philippines.

Sanden Phils. President Osamu Ikeda will personally award the prizes to the Outstanding Farmers.

Companies with the best performing seeds will also receive trophies and commendation from MinDA.

The 1st Mindanao Vegetable Derby is a project of the Mindanao Development Authority, the Provincial Government of Bukidnon and the local government units of Impasugong, Talakag, Sumilao and Lantapan.

Bukidnon Gov. Jose Maria Zubiri, Vice Governor Rogelio Quiño and the Congressmen of the province are expected to grace the Festival.

A tribal ceremony by the Talaandig tribe of Bukidnon will open the ceremonies on Dec. 10.