THE real estate arm of A.D. Gothong Manufacturing Corp. (ADGMC) is gearing up for significant growth in the property sector starting next year.
In an interview, Barbara “Bambi” Gothong-Tan, the 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year Awardee, revealed that Alpa Land Inc. is set to expand its real estate portfolio by developing a five-hectare property in Mandaue City into a residential community.
“It’s already in the planning and design stage. We’re looking at launching the project by 2025,” said Tan.
The proposed development will feature 400 to 500 house-and-lot units targeting the mid-market segment.
Alpa Land currently holds stakes in various property sectors, including office spaces through the ADG IT Center, hotel accommodations via Alpa City Suites, and residential projects such as Fontana Heights—all located in Mandaue City.
“We believe real estate is a strong sector to focus on because of its promising market potential,” she said.
Tan, who is also a finalist in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Philippines 2024, expressed confidence in Cebu’s economic growth despite local and external challenges.
“We will continue to invest in improving our operations,” Tan said, referring to ADGMC’s plans to secure certifications like HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points), a food safety management system designed to identify and prevent hazards in production.
“These certifications are essential as even large local manufacturers now prioritize suppliers with stringent quality standards. We aim to raise our quality benchmarks and maintain them,” she added.
As an integrated factory, ADGMC operates its own copra crushing plant, oil mill and refinery. Its diverse product line includes vegetable oils, premium shortening, margarine, butter oil substitute, bread improver, CFAD and copra cake, all sourced from local produce.
All ADGMC products are Halal-certified by the Islamic Dawah Council of the Philippines, adhering to the highest standards of quality and safety. The company is also the only GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certified fats and oils manufacturer in Cebu.
According to Tan, the company is a leading supplier of coconut oil, marketed under the popular brand “Bambi,” which is widely recognized among institutional markets and sold in supermarkets across the Visayas and Mindanao.
In addition to coconut oil, ADGMC also imports palm oil, primarily distributed in wet markets.
Tan noted that copra is sourced from across Cebu to produce coconut oil. However, the market for this commodity has been steadily declining.
“The demand for coconut oil has decreased nationwide as more people switch to palm oil due to its lower cost. Only those who truly understand the benefits of coconut oil continue to purchase it,” she said.
Tan added that palm oil now constitutes 90 to 95 percent of their cooking oil business.
Beyond manufacturing and real estate, ADGMC has diversified into other sectors, including healthcare, hospitality and a nursing home in Liloan. / KOC