Fun run marks Alturas' 50th year

By Leo Udtohan

A fun run celebrating the 50th anniversary of Alturas Group of Companies (AGC), a highly diversified and integrated retail, tourism, commercial, and agro-industrial conglomerate in Bohol, was held Saturday, March 25. 

Over 2,000 runners from Bohol and Cebu joined in the 10-kilometer, 15-kilometer and 21-kilometer fun runs. 

Mary Grace "Gay" Bernaldez said the proceeds of the Alturas Golden Fun Run will help parents and guardians of the 25 terminally ill children in Bohol. 

"You are part of this great cause," she said. 

The excitement continued with the Zumba Marathon, followed by giving of freebies and products from sponsors and a Comedy Concert from Manila-based comedians at 7 p.m.

AGC expressed its gratitude to all the participating runners and sponsors who, in one way or another, help generate funds intended for the sick children.

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The recent detection of African Swine Flu (ASF) in Cebu has led the Bohol provincial government to heighten its efforts to safeguard its swine industry. 

Bohol maintains its "green level" status as it remains free of ASF.

AGC recognized the impact of ASF on all hog raisers and pork consumers in Bohol, prompting it to ensure food security by lessening the risk of contamination. The company sources its meat from its own farm - Marcela Farms, which heavily promotes biosecurity measures to prevent unwanted diseases or viruses from penetrating.

Marcela Farms has been in the agricultural business for over 40 years and serves as the main source of livestock for Alturas Malls. It also supplies food needs such as hogs, chicken, eggs, prawns, fish, and rice for institutional customers in the country and abroad.

"We take ASF matters seriously.  We want to assure our customers that we are doing everything to prevent it from reaching Bohol. Our farm implements advanced biosecurity measures to ensure the health and safety of our hogs, and we are confident that we can supply meat products for Bohol even if the province limits or stops meat importation,” said AGC Manager Marlito Uy.

ASF is a highly contagious viral disease in pigs, which can result in high mortality rates. While the virus does not affect people and has no impact on human health, it poses a significant threat to the hog industry. 

By intensifying its biosecurity measures, the company hopes to prevent the entry and spread of ASF in Bohol and continue to provide high-quality food products to its customers. Biosecurity measures are critical in keeping diseases and pathogens that carry them away from livestock, property, and people.

External biosecurity measures being implemented by AGC include no new pigs, control of pests, installation of air filtration systems, no visitors, and managing vehicle traffic.  Vehicles and equipment are only allowed onto the farm if cleaned and disinfected beforehand. There is a 20-day quarantine period for vehicles coming from outside Bohol. People who may have been in contact with other pigs are also not allowed on the farm.

AGC also continued to maintain its consistent record as a leading taxpayer in the province. 

The group, through its subsidiary, Marcela Farms Inc., was recognized once again as one of the Top 5 Corporate Taxpayers by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Region 13 during the 2023 National Tax Campaign kickoff at the IEC Convention Center in Cebu City.

The regional bureau acknowledged the contribution and collaboration of Marcela Farms in achieving the agency’s plans and programs and in helping fund the country’s economic recovery and continuous progress.

AGC has always been committed to compliance with the law and is proud to contribute to the local economy by paying its taxes on time and in full.

"We are grateful for this recognition, as we consider our role as a taxpayer to be of utmost importance. Our commitment to contributing to the growth and development of Bohol through our business operations is unwavering. As we move forward, we remain steadfast in our determination to set a positive example and encourage other businesses to join us in upholding this civic duty," said Helen Binangbang, executive assistant to the Alturas Group GM.

Aside from ensuring government compliance, AGC also upholds sustainable practices and technology as a core value and this is reflected in its subsidiaries such as Marcela Farms. The farm, which provides for the food requirements of the province and institutional customers locally and internationally, acknowledges the importance of environmental protection as a vital component of achieving sustainability.

Marcela Farms has taken significant measures to reduce its carbon footprint, including operating the largest solar farm project in Bohol and supplying any excess power to the local grid as part of the government's net metering initiative. It also boasts the first certified animal-waste biogas in Southeast Asia.

Additionally, the company utilizes a biomass facility that compacts 100% rice hulls into solid biofuel for industrial plant boilers and poultry bedding. Its organic fertilizer facility also produces a minimum of 350 bags daily, while its rendering plant converts all poultry plant waste into protein meal for animal feed.

As its 50th anniversary approaches this year, AGC continues to be a highly diversified and integrated conglomerate in Bohol, encompassing retail, tourism, commercial, and agro-industrial sectors.

The company remains true to its values rooted in strategic, sustainable progress and embodies its main slogan of "Serving the community, Uplifting Lives."

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Alturas honors loyal employees in celebration of golden anniversary

By Leo Udtohan

At least 469 employees of Alturas Group of Companies (AGC) were honored during the company's golden anniversary. 

The founders' second generation presented the awards to the 10-to-30-year awardees, while the three 40-year awardees received their tokens from incorporators Marlito Uy and Nelita Uy-Fuertes.

Uy, who also serves as AGC’s general manager, expressed his gratitude to all the awardees, acknowledging that their efforts have contributed significantly to the growth and success of the group. 

"We believe that our employees are our greatest asset. Their hard work and dedication have been instrumental in our success. We are honored to celebrate the 26th Alturas Group Loyalty Awards with them.  We look forward to continuing to take care of our employees by recognizing their loyalty and hard work,” he said.

The ceremony also included testimonials from representatives of the awardees, namely, Anna Palban, Armicito Bitero Jr., Rolando and Ma. Fe Jagunos, and Romulo Polinar. 

To make the occasion more exciting, 20 lucky awardees won Php 10,000 each in the instant raffle, while others took home minor prizes. There were 40 winners of P2,000 and 25 winners of P5,000. 

Since 1998, AGC has valued the length of employment service and dedication of its workforce,  through the ups and downs of the business. The same tradition continued even during the pandemic, where deserving employees were conferred with the same tokens without formal gatherings. 

In addition to the Loyalty Awards ceremony, AGC also hosted its annual Family Get Together event at the CPG Sports Complex earlier this year. More than 12,000 employees joined in the celebration, which was filled with fun and laughter.  Over P3 million worth of raffle prizes were given away.

As AGC celebrates its 50th anniversary, the company reaffirms its commitment to driving strategic, sustainable progress that benefits Bohol and the rest of the Visayas. 

"We are excited to celebrate another milestone and are looking forward to another year of meaningful and impactful experiences for our customers. We remain committed to our mission of serving the community and uplifting lives and continuing our contribution to the growth and progress of the areas that we serve,” Uy said.

AGC is a highly-diversified and integrated retail, tourism, commercial, and agro-industrial conglomerate known for the values incorporated in its slogan, "Serving the community, Uplifting Lives." 

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Marcela Farms opens new feed mill

By Leo Udtohan 

A business magnate in Bohol province is urging farmers to plant corn and cassava due to the commodities’ emerging local market demand.

Marlito Uy, chief executive officer of Marcela Farms, said that local farmers should realize that these crops are potential raw materials for processing and value adding.

"We need five million kilos or 100 million kilos per month of corn. We are willing to help our farmers. We could provide farm equipment and fertilizer to increase their production and we will buy their products," said Uy during the blessing and ribbon cutting ceremony of their new Marcela Farms feedmill on Wednesday (Nov. 16) in Barangay Lomangog in Ubay town.

So far, they sourced out corn from Mindanao.

"I asked the provincial government to partner with us in assisting our farmers to increase their inputs. In Bohol, farmers can produce three to four tons of corn per hectare," he added.

Bohol has devoted 45% land area to agriculture with rice as number one staple. It is considered the rice bowl in Central Visayas.  However, there are no more 100 hectares of sporadic and backyard -based corn plantations.

Data from the Bohol Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (Bedipo) said that rice production  in the province produced 225,548 metric tons or covers 70,117.00 ha of which only 56.11% or 39,346.00 ha are irrigated areas.

In 2018, there are about 11,983 ha of land harvested with corn or 11,216 metric tons. Much of these lands are utilized for white corn production and some lands for yellow corn production.

Being an alternative food for rice, corn is consumed by about 16% of Bohol’s population. The industrial demand for this crop is also increasing, as the livestock sector in the province continues to prosper.

Marcela Farms, part of the Alturas Group of Companies (AGC), has opened the P500-million Marcela Farms feed mill which has the capacity to produce 30 tons of hog and poultry feeds per hour considered among Asia’s few large-scale feed mills. 

The new multi-story structure incorporates top-of-the-line Dutch company Van Aarsen International equipment is the third mill of the company.

The automated feed production line takes care of the intake, grinding, mixing, pelleting, and bagging of animal and aqua feeds.  It serves the dietary requirements of all Marcela Farms’ livestock and aqua operations while utilizing efficient waste management.

The new technology at the mill would help make production workers more efficient and constructive. The company added that the mill is spacious, with abundant warehouse storage and room to work.

“We have been in the agri business for forty years, and it is a crucial part of the success of the Alturas Group. The farm is our main source of livestock for Alturas Malls, providing consistent and high-quality produce for Bohol, Cebu, and other areas,” said Uy.

Marcela Farms serves the food needs -  hogs, chicken, eggs, prawns, fish, and rice of the province and institutional customers all over the country and abroad.

Alongside local food security, Marcela Farms believes that sustainability through environmental protection is a must.  It supports the Alturas Group’s commitment to sustainable practices and technology.

To reduce its carbon footprint, the company operates the biggest solar farm project in Bohol, with a combined capacity of two megawatts.  The excess power is delivered to the local grid as part of the government’s net metering scheme.

Marcela Farms also has a biomass facility responsible for compacting 100% rice hulls used as solid biofuel for industrial plant boilers and as bedding for poultry breeding sites.

Moreover, its organic fertilizer facility has an operating capacity of at least 350 bags a day, while its rendering facility converts 100% poultry plant waste into protein meal for feeds.

Marcela Farms also had the first certified animal-waste biogas in Southeast Asia in 2012.  Two biogas installations are currently operational -  one supplies 1.5 megawatts for the hog farm, and the other provides methane fuel for plant boilers.

The mill also provided jobs to at least hundred of Boholanos.

The event was attended by Governor Aris Aumentado, former Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) assistant secretary and now provincial administrator Aster Caberte, Bishop Abet Uy, Ubay Mayor Constantino Reyes and officials, San Miguel Mayor Ian Uy, Alicia Mayor Cesyl Balahay, Barangay Lomangog Captain Felix Cutamora, Peter Dejaresco, Dr. Bing Lapiz, farmers' groups and suppliers.

Aumentado said that Alturas has become a part of the lives of the Boholanos and through their different businesses across the province, many have benefitted from the comfort they have provided.

"This project will also help us in the pursuit of agricultural development in our province. Through this, we can aim for a higher production of hog and poultry feeds that will make us a prime producer of the said product," said Aumentado.

He also emphasized that for more raw materials in the production of feeds, farmers can avail from the provincial government the necessary asssitance and loans for the purchase of materials like fertilizers, and also the purchase of their harvests through the buyback scheme.

Caberte said it was only Uy who dared to take the challenge to venture on this kind of business. 

Benedicto Atuel, 65,  a farmer from Barangay Bay-ang in Ubay town, shared that he was happy that Marcela Farms is interested to buy their products.

He said they have assurance that they can sell their product in the market.

As survivor of typhoon Odette that destroyed their farmlands last year, he needed support to bounce back.

As the group approaches its 50th anniversary in 2023, AGC brings forward values unique to the brand, anchored on strategic, sustainable progress and in line with its main slogan, "Serving the community, uplifting lives."

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Volunteers clean Bohol Rivers

Over 2,000 volunteers beat the sunrise on Friday morning, February 22, to participate in the clean-up drive at the Abatan River as part of the simultaneous river clean-up in 10 rivers in Central Visayas.

Volunteers helped clean litter and debris at various river
 and stream sites in Bohol province on Friday, Feb. 22
as part of Department of Environment and Natural Resources
\(DENR)’s Simultaneous River Clean-Up Drive in Central Visayas.
Photo by Leo Udtohan

Among the volunteers were students of Bohol Island University (BISU) and employees of the Alturas Group of Companies who came to respond to the call of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Visayas (DENR-7) for volunteers.

They helped clean litter and debris in Abatan River in Cortes town, Inabanga River in Inabanga town and  Manaba River in Garcia Hernandez.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Charlie Fabre said the activity was in line with the “RIVERs for Life” Program of DENR.

Fabre said the rivers and streams in Bohol are already Type B and C rivers which indicates that these rivers are no longer safe for drinking or bathing.

“This is a great event because everybody cares about cleaning up trash, everybody cares about cleaning up the rivers,” said Emmie Roslinda of PROCESS (Participatory Research, Organization of Communities and Education towards Struggle for Self-Reliance).

Roslinda added the event was to show the community the importance of rivers in Bohol.

“It’s a good time for a good cause,” said Guy Bernaldez from the Alturas Group of Companies with other 61 volunteers from the company.

Using a kayak to clean the Bacong River headwaters in Cortes town
in Bohol province on Friday, volunteer Rey Anthony Chiu of the
Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-Bohol collected plastic bottles
and bags, discarded nets, assorted cellophane wrappers, rubber slippers
and Styrofoam food packs. Friday’s activity was part of the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
simultaneous river clean-up drive in Central Visayas. Photo by Leo Udtohan

Rivers in Bohol--Abatan River in Cortes and Maribojoc towns, Loay River in Loay town  and Loboc River in Loboc town --are famous attractions in Bohol. These serve as the habitat of fireflies and highlight the life of the Boholanos.  

Although rivers and streams in Bohol are still-healthy compared to other provinces, volunteers still scraped tons of trash.

“Plastic bottles and bags, discarded nets, assorted  cellophane wrappers, rubber slippers and Styrofoam food packs, that’s most of what we find,” said Rey Anthony Chiu of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) along with other volunteers who used kayaks to collect garbage at streams.

The country is facing a major environmental problem which may result in unhealthy living conditions, according to Fabre.

He admitted that a number of rivers in the country were biologically dead, destroyed by fecal coliform.

He is encouraging the public to take a ‘bold’ step in protecting the rivers and join the movement to save them.

“Every month activity na ito. Yung sustainability dapat mag-start not for DENR but to start from within sa mga tao sa Bohol,” he said. “Dapat gawing normal activity para walang basura na papunta sa river o walang waste na papunta doon sa river para sigurado na malinis yung tubig natin.”

There’s something about Ferome / Ima Leopardas responds to bashers & haters

He is regarded as one of the top male hosts in the province today, but Ferome Jusgorge Balabag Almine is quick to reveal that his career as an event organizer and host was not without difficulty.

For this Sunday’s edition, however, Ferome put down his microphone for a while and offered a rare glimpse of his life and career.

“It is my passion to talk and inspire others,” said Ferome who started hosting at a very young age. “It is always my drive to put smiles in other people’s lives through my hosting gigs. It is always my passion also to organize and help other people in realizing their dream events.  Hosting for me is a fulfilling job.”

Ferome became an eager student, absorbing all that was there for his to learn from the veterans in the industry.  They were his elementary and high school teachers and some wedding coordinators who influenced his career.  

However, Ferome shared the road to hosting events is not easy. “No and never it will be easy because it is our job to entertain the audience in all walks of life and cultures. I learn to be patient, dedicated and flexible to meet the demands and expectations of my clients.”

Ferome Almine as event organizer and host: ‘It’s my passion and love.’ 

He also said that he needs to bend with the standards of the organizers and the audience.

“The most difficult things in hosting is putting myself to people’s emotions,” he said.

Does he suffer from burn-out? “Sometimes but I don’t entertain burden and burn-out because I enjoy organizing and hosting events.  Again, it is my passion and love.”

Ferome shared that hosting the Sandugo festival street-dancing was his most memorable event in his hosting career. “It was a privileged for me to host a prestigious festival of Bohol. It’s my first time that my voice would be telecast on GMA 7 and over radio coverage to all radio stations in Bohol.”

Just like other hosts, Ferome had his own share of bloopers, booboos, blunders and hilarious moments. And though the incidents were not funny at that time, he can laugh at those experiences now because they somehow helped him become better at his job and in a way, shaped him into who he is now.

 “I loose my big modulated voice and it becomes rustic. I have colds, sore throat and fever prior to the show,” he said.  “I force myself to produce modulated voice. I shout and I make sure that I still do my best despite of my health condition. The show must go on.”

Through the years, many people and clients saw Ferome move up the professional ladder and gain respect in the industry as organizer and host. In fact, he is the resident host of the Alturas Group of Companies and he will be hosting four events ( hosting the Sandugo Dance contest on July 12, Sandugo Festival BodyBuilder 2015 on July 18, Mr and Miss Teen ICM on July 19 and Atty. Carandang’s wedding on July 25 at Panglao Island Nature Resort; and hosting weddings for SilverBlue Wedding and Things, Yowev_Your Weddings and Events Supreme Weddings by Mae Supremo, Mr Jose Suarez Events Team Jazz Duo by Gigi) this Sandugo month. It just goes to show that people respond to Ferome in a positive way.

What do you want to achieve? “I want to be a millionaire before I reach 25! Ha!Ha!Ha!”

And as he celebrates his 13 years as an event host, Ferome shares with VRS readers 13 little-know things about him.

1. I am religious.

2. I’m a kagawad in Mansasa, Tagbilaran City.

3. I became an Outstanding Barangay Official as SK chairman and barangay kagawad.

4. I am a cheerful giver.

5. I am a registered nurse.

6. I am a daydreamer. I’ve dreamed to work outside the country or wish to be a famous TV host.

7. I have seven dogs. They are Choco, Chup2x, Carlo, Carla, Charles, Ally and Great Dane.

8. I’m planning to open this year a shop that could cater all services in the path that I am into (organizing and 

hosting). I plan to put up my own convenience store. Dream lang naman! He!He!He!

9.  I have my best buddies with me.

10. I am with the Alturas Group of Companies as a resident host.  See me at the Island City Mall!

11. I am not allowed to party with friends despite of my age! Ha!Ha!Ha!

12. I am a loner. Gusto kong mapag-isa.

13. I am single but I prioritize my work, my best buddies and my family. By the way I have two mommies! My real mom is Fe Balabag-Almine  and my aunt/Mamy Halida Blanco, who is the wife of our Punong Barangay Manolo P. Blanco who is also my second father.  (Ferome’s father is Inspector Romeo Almine. He has two brothers Ferome Myko and Ferome Carltome.- LPU)

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Ima Leopardas responds to bashers & haters

:

Nothing wrong with repeaters because in most cases, they turn out to be winners, right?

Of the 23 candidates in this year’s Miss Bohol pageant set for July 18, only Miss Bohol 2014 fourth runner-up Imaculada Cleofe Leopardas of Baclayon is the repeater.

“Yes, I have joined Miss Bohol last year, God knows why I am joining again this year. And to whoever is reading this long post right now, I would just like to remind you that (with emphasis! -LPU) YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. YOU ARE CAPABLE AND POWERFUL. YOU ARE STRONG. I KNOW YOU HAVE BEEN THROUGH THE DEEPEST AND WORST STRUGGLES IN LIFE YET YOU STILL MADE IT AND YOU ALWAYS WILL. NEVER FORGET THAT SOMEONE OUT THERE LOVES YOU AND THAT SOMETIMES IN LIFE, WE ENDED UP BEING IN A SITUATION WE NEVER WANT TO BE IN. BUT EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON. NEVER GIVE UP. CHIN UP. THERE'S A DIFFERENCE THAT ONLY YOU CAN MAKE...GO MAKE THAT DIFFERENCE,” Ima, an www.omg.com model, posted on Facebook.

Ima also shared that “we are all in this world for a reason.”

Imaculada Leopardas: ‘I will always be a living example of a true beauty queen.’ 

Courtesy: Chris Ramasola/www.ramasola.net

She added: “If they say, "Beauty Queens come and go" well I say, "People come and go".. And no matter who we are..Rich or Poor, Thin or Fat, Black or White, Happy or Sad, Famous or Not, we will all come back to Him someday. We are alive for a reason. And I believe that I am who I am now for a reason. Sometimes at night, I wonder why people keep on following my posts and honestly, it is very overwhelming. Yes, I used to be "Invisible"..somebody who was always one of the audience but I was a sincere Servant Leader.”

For her bashers and haters: “For as long as I am still breathing, I would always be the Ima I've known for 19 years. I will make my family proud. I will never forget my bestfriends for life ‪#‎GIBS . I will always be a good daughter. Be a living example of a true beauty queen.. And at the same time, I'll always have in my heart those important people in my life who changed me, motivated me and loved me just the way I am.”

Some fans also showed their support for Ima. Others gave their words of encouragement.

“Haters gonna hate and bashers gonna bash but they will be gone,” one fan said.

Popular pageant repeaters are Janine Tugonon (who placed first runner-up in the 2012 Miss Universe pageant) and Diane Necio (who won 2011 Bb. Pilipinas-International) were repeaters. In fact, some winners in the international contests were repeaters, too.

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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohan at Twitter /Facebook.