The 35 outstanding farmers who are recognized as East-West Seed’s Farmer Heroes will be feted at the 35th Anniversary Party of the company on Nov. 24 at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.These outstanding growers of hybrid vegetables and other high-value crops come from the different regions of the Philippines.

Sen. Cynthia Villar, chair of the Senate Agriculture and food Comittee, will be the keynote speaker.Here’s a list of the 35 Farmer Heroes:
Lino S. Kitongan of Bauko, Mt. Province; Jose Madriaga of Bantay, Ilocos Sur; Eduardo de la Cruz Jr. of Alcala, Pangasinan; Gabby A. Retuya of Alcala, Pangasinan; Rodolfo G. Corpuz of Amulong, Cagayan; Ambrocio de la Rosa of Gaqmu, Isabela; Jessie C. Santiago of Aglipay, Quirino; Janet C. Arbuleda of Villa Verde, Nueva Vizcaya; Sotero P. Gapac of Sta. Rosa, Nueva Ecija; Rodolfo S. Abeleda of San Jose City, Nueva Ecija; Johnny Gatuz of San Rafael, Bulacan; Danny P. Mateo of Angat, Bulacan; Joselito Tibayan of Naic, Cavite.

Gerric T. Mandac of Naujan, Oriental Mindoro; Monte G. Manalo of Batangas City; Florencio B. Sera of Pagbilao, Quezon; Angelito D. Mendoza of Sariaya, Quezon; Henry P. Rafael of Ligao City, Albay; Felizardo P. Ramos of San Jose, Camarines Sur; Helen Cullo of Kalibo, Aklan; Leonila P. Sugarol of Liloan, Cebu; Romeo V. Mazo of Baybay City, Leyte; Temoteo Ardiente of Aloran, Misamis Occidental; Larry A. Lomosad of Tampiolisan, Zamboanga del Norte..

Jonard Octat of Libona, Bukidnon; Rubisper Udal of Lantapan, Bukidnon; Joel T. Israel of New Corella, Davao del Norte; Julie D. Tirando of Digos, Davao del Sur; Johnny S. Tolentino of T’boli, South Cotabato; Dominic Paclipar of Mlang North Cotabato; Larissa Barlisan of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur; Ruben M. Ragas of Cabadbaraan City, Agusan del Norte; Bonifacio P. Bautista of Bayambang, Pangasinan; Victorino P. David of Laur, Nueva Ecija; and Jesus M. Carlos of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.

Aside from the 35 outstanding farmers, 35 outstanding distributors will also receive awards. East-West executives who will be at the event are Henk Hermans, general manager; Mary Ann P. Sayoc, EWS lead Public Affairs, sales executives and other employees.