By: Concepcion F. Nuñez
“The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.” –Proverbs 10:22
Being rich does not solely mean acquiring financial stability and amassing so much material wealth. Above all, it also means living with morals in accordance to the law of God. The latter we see as the main ingredient of a meaningful and abundant life, and on this principle we do run our business.
On September 10, 1992, FMN Agricultural Supply started as a small store in Wao, Lanao del Sur. Our parents, Arcangel and Celedonia Fabella, became our inspiration and driving force to dream big for this small business. They had high regards to hard work and patience. These values were deeply embedded in our minds and became the foundation when we started building our business from its humble beginnings.
On its first year, we engaged in selling seeds, chemicals and fertilizers of which Atlas Fertilizer Corporation was a major source.
Just like everyone else’s ventures, FMN had its share of ups and downs. In 1997, the store in Wao was among the many establishments that were accidentally burnt to the ground. Amazingly, our warehouse was the only one left unharmed. Aside from what happened, there were also other challenges we had to face, such as robberies and issues on fraud. But whatever we lost, we were able to restore in other forms.
On December 15, 2004, FMN was formally established as a family corporation to professionalize its operations. It now has for its Board of Directors: Ms. Arcele Fabella, spouses Arnolfo and Remia Magaway, and spouses Manuel and Concepcion Nuñez – thus, the initial FMN.
The five of us continue to work together for the business to prosper. Our combined efforts, coupled with our strong reliance on God to lead us on, provide hope for stability and brighter days ahead.
FMN has grown much since then and now have seven (7) branches in different locations in Mindanao. From Wao, Lanao del Sur, we have expanded to our present network in the following cities/municipalities: two branches in Cagayan de Oro City and one branch each in Don Carlos, Kalilangan, Malaybalay City, Maramag, and Valencia City in the province of Bukidnon.
For the business to prolong its existence, a plan succession is now in place involving our next generation. Our children are actively involved, holding key positions from the Head Office to our network of branches, and exposing them to the various levels of operation with the same morals we inherited from our parents.
We believe that all the efforts that we painstakingly sowed were not put in vain. We are now enjoying the fruits of our labor. Indeed, what one sows, he also reaps.
All these are for the glory of God!
