DAVAO CITY - Vegetable farmers are gearing up for the three-day culmination of the Mindanao Vegetable Derby to be held in Miarayon, Talakag, Bukidnon from December 10- 12.
In his Facebook post on Wednesday, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairman Emmanuel Piñol said that "for the first time, the government, with the support of the private sector, will honor Mindanao's top vegetable farmers with trophies and prizes."
Piñol also shared photos of the site preparation for the opening ceremony on Thursday.
The 1st Mindanao Vegetable Derby is a project of the MinDA, the Provincial Government of Bukidnon, and the local government units of Impasugong, Talakag, Sumilao, and Lantapan.
The program was launched in July this year.
MinDA said the three-day culmination event will recognize the best high-value vegetable crops including carrots, Chinese cabbage, and cabbage.
"These were grown by the Local Government Units of Impasug-ong, Talakag, Sumilao, and Lantapan (IMTASULA), with the assistance of the six (6) major seed companies (Ramgo, East West, Kaneko, Seed Works, Green Seeds, and Allied Botanicals) and cooperating companies," it said in a statement last Friday.
MinDA said, during the opening ceremonies, municipal mayors of IMTASULA towns, Secretary Piñol, Bukidnon Acting Governor Rogelio Quiño, Department of Tourism - Mindanao Assistant Secretary Myra Paz Abubakar, Department of Agriculture - 10 Regional Director Charlene Collado, Bukidnon 1st District Representative, Congresswoman Malou Acosta Alba, and Bukidnon 3rd District Representative, Congressman Manuel Zubiri are expected to grace the event.
The first day will "highlight the Signing of Marketing Agreement of Ube Jam and Ultra Mart, as well as the conduct of Agri Technology Training and Business Matching."
On the second day, MinDA said, there will be an Agro Trade Fair and Exhibit and the Agri Technology Training on carrot juice, kimchi, and pickled vegetable making for the participants and local visitors.
Meanwhile, six major awards will be given to the respective Vegetable Derby winners on Saturday.
"These awards are the Mindanao Carrot King, Mindanao Cabbage King, Mindanao Chinese Cabbage King, Best Carrot Seed, Best Cabbage Seed, and Best Chinese Cabbage Seed," it said.
Piñol added that 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."
He said outstanding farmers will get a 15-cu.ft home refrigerator from Sanden Cold Chain System Philippines. Sanden Phils. President Osamu Ikeda "will personally award the prizes to the Outstanding Farmers."
Meanwhile, companies with the best performing seeds will also be recognized during the event.
MinDA said the criteria for judging include highest production per area; outstanding quality of production; and adherence to good agricultural practices.
"Products submitted for entry in the competition will also be tested to determine their adherence to the minimum residue level of chemicals used in the production," it added.
The Mindanao Vegetable Derby is aimed at addressing poverty in the agriculture sector, improving productivity, and initiating the economic recovery of Mindanao.
MinDA said the Vegetable Derby and Festival also "aims to develop and promote IMTASULA as Mindanao's emerging hub and major supplier of high value vegetable crops (HVC)."