By: Arnel A. Pacquiao
The couple that unconditionally helps each other makes a great business partner, thus the rise of A1 Agro Fertilizers and Chemicals in the fertilizer industry business.
Nina Ting, a graduate of B.S. Food and Nutrition at Centro Escolar University in Manila, started her teaching career at the Good Samaritan Doctors’ College in Cabanatuan until she chose to settle down with Leonard Ting in 1978. She broke the “plain housewife” stereotype when she facilitated her business proposal of putting up a store to cater to the farmers’ demands. Leonard, on the other hand, is an Accounting degree holder from Zamboanga Arturo Eustaquio Colleges (now Universidad de Zamboanga). He fully supported his wife’s endeavor, backing her up while working at Metrobank.
It was in 1983 when the couple decided to rent a commercial space in Talavera, Nueva Ecija to start a fertilizer and chemical store. Their first company name was supposed to be A and L which stands for Antonia and Leonard. But most customers got accustomed to using “A1” as their company name, so they adapted it as their official company name: A1 Agro Fertilizers and Chemicals.
In 1985, through sheer perseverance and determination, they were made to become a distributor of Atlas Fertilizer Corporation. AFC was one of the few companies that gave them an opportunity during their start up period, having seen their potential to grow and prosper.
Unfortunately, during that same year that they were made distributor of AFC, typhoon “Saling” hit Central Luzon, tremendously damaging the region, not sparing their business. The warehouse collapsed, cars and trucks were buried under the rubbles, and all products including the stored palays were destroyed. The catastrophic event almost brought them back to nothing. The couple talked to each of their suppliers and assured them to pay their obligations despite the tragedy. Luckily, all suppliers showed understanding and extended further support until they were able to recover, coming back stronger and bigger.
In 1988, the couple bought a rice mill. They started out with one palay classifier with one secretary/store attendant. At present, they have become a key player in the distribution system for fertilizers, chemicals, seeds, veterinary products and palay trading in Nueva Ecija.
Together with the couple’s family—Vanessa, Alyanna and Von Lexor—A1 Agro’s engagement and commitment to the farming industry continues to flourish as they heed to the call of service for the Filipino farmer.
