Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Agrichem: There is gem in agriculture
THIS couple has proven that there is a gem when you engaged in agriculture, particularly in floriculture.
Janet Aguilar and Ricardo Aguilar Jr. are two individuals who have always been believers of the treasure that can be offered by the business they are presently into.
When I was visiting the Kadayawan Agro Trade Fair and Horticulture Exhibit, I was struck by the exquisite looks of one bonsai plant. The way it grows will make you wonder how did a plant enthusiast was able to make it that way.
Bushida, or the popular Japanese bonsai plant, is one of the most popular products of Janet and Ricardo.
Ricardo started collecting various species of ornamental plants when he was still single. Even that time, Ricardo, wherever he went, always made it a point that when he got home, he was already holding another addition to his collection.
In 1993, when the newlywed couple then decided to settle here in Davao City, they brought with them their precious collection of different plant genus.
"Napunta kami sa Davao from Manila because of job assignment. 'Yong asawa ko kasi ay nakakuha ng trabaho dito. When we were already here, we continue to collect different plants," Janet said.
In 1997, the couple, who are both agriculturists, thought of making their plants their ultimate gate pass towards establishing their own business.
"Nakita kasi naming ang potential ng produkto and since pareho naman kaming agriculturist, ang sabi ko, magagamit naming ang anumang kaalaman na meron kami sa pagpapatakbo ng aming negosyo," Janet said.
When they already made up their minds, Janet and Ricardo started to process their business registration documents.
"Nakakatuwa pa 'yon kasi marami kaming ipinasang pangalan para sa business nga naming. Pagpunta naming sa DTI (Department of Trade and Industry), 'yong Agrigem ang napili. Actually, ang ibig sabihin ng Agrigem na 'yan ay Aguilar Ricardo and Gemma, which is my nickname. Noong na-approve na sya, at habang binabasa namin, bigla naming naisip na ang Agrigem pala ay pwede ring agriculture is a gem. Nagkataon lang talaga," Janet said.
After the documents were all ready, the two of them rented a space at the entrance of the Skyline Subdivision (just near their residence), where they can put up their floriculture business.
With the attractive display of ornamental plants in the area, people started to flock to the store.
That was the beginning of the soaring success of Janet and Ricardo.
In year 2000, Agrigem Plant Nursery and Laboratory also ventured into selling of plastic pots.
"Marami na kasing nagtatanong sa amin kung saan raw naming nabili ang aming mga plastic pots. Matibay kasi talaga. In fact, hanggang five years ang itatagal ng plastic na 'to. Since marami na ring growers ang nagtatanong about the plastic pots, naisip naming na bakit hindi na lang rin naming bahagi ng business naming. 'Yon na ang simula," she said.
Since the couple's business already expanded, Janet stopped working (she was with the Southern Mindanao Agriculture Program then). Two years after, when the business was reaping huge number of clients already, Ricardo also had to resign from the Department of Health (DOH) 11.
When Janet and Ricardo were both attending their shop, they witnessed its growth. And in July of 2003, they opened a branch at the Matina Town Square (MTS).
"Actualy, Mindanao Federation (Minfed), through Ms. Fe Ayala, ang nag-encourage sa amin na maglagay ng pwesto doon. At first, marami kaming gardeners doon sa nasabing pwesto but right now, kami na lang talaga ni Ms. Ayala. Posible sigurong masabi natin na kahit papaano ay kumikita kami," he said.
Janet and Ricardo attributed their current success to a lot of factors, among these are: good camaraderie with customers; patience; and right pricing.
Believe it or not, one of the biggest clients of Agrigem is award-winning actress Dawn Zulueta, who is now residing in Davao City.
Among the patrons of Agrigem are gardeners from Kidapawan, Tagum, and Digos.
For more details about Agrigem Plant Nursery and Laboratory, please contact them at 0916-9930818/0916-8206877/(082)289-9304. (JMM)
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (August 31, 2005 issue)
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