Alfredo Bonpin established Cardinal Farm Supply (CFS) in 1972 when he started selling fertilizers in Surigao City. Alfredo migrated to the USA in 1976 and eventually transferred ownership of the company to his sister, Ms. Annie Bonpin. Engr. Aniceto Bonpin, their sibling, entered and helped manage CFS in 1983 and saw the beginning of the long relationship with Atlas Fertilizer Corporation.
Together, they started buying Atlas products from Cebu and sold them in their Surigao City stores. Due to their constant and consistent promotion of Atlas fertilizers, by 1987, it has become one of the most sought after fertilizer brands in the area. Eventually in 1993, they opened a branch in Butuan City, their entry into Agusan del Norte. They became the exclusive distributor of AFC products in the whole CARAGA Region covering the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao Del Norte, Surigao del Sur and the Dinagat Island in 1998. Presently, they have six stores/warehouses all over the region: three in Surigao City, one in Butuan City, one in Bayugan City and one in Madrid, Surigao de Sur. In the near future, they plan to strengthen their logistics and distribution network by establishing more stores in strategic locations around the region.
Asked about their recipe for success, Engr. Aniceto Bonpin said “Be sincere to the company [that supplies the products you are selling]. Help the company first without expecting much in return. [Also], have a vision and initiative to help the farmers in your area and don’t shortchange them but instead help them.”
True enough, CFS has remained steadfast, proudly carrying Atlas through the years and moving Atlas fertilizers in their stores; promoting science-based fertilization technology directly to farmers. Another factor for success is their network of loyal dealers across region. CFS also recognizes that their appointment as the sole and exclusive distributor for Atlas products in the CARAGA Region has made them the largest supplier of fertilizer in the region.
“Agribusiness will still strengthen in the future because people still need to eat.” Engr. Bonpin said. “Farmers are the foundation of our economy. If we help them, we are also helping our country.”
Asked about the future, Engr. Bonpin said that he is already involving their daughter and son with the business. He let them start from the lowest position and even let them do the selling of fertilizer in their stores. Eventually they will be given significant positions in the company; even ready to manage one of their branches. Looking forward to the future, in 2017, CFS changed their name to CFS Agri-Ventures, Inc. signaling their openness to engage in other business endeavors. Engr. Bonpin established his new project – the Jolly Goat Dairy Farm in Butuan City. They are now producing and selling pasteurized goats milk, beauty soap and organic fertilizers.
Tomorrow looks incredibly bright ahead for CFS Agri-Ventures. Given their dedication to the farmers, and passion for what they do; CFS is on a trajectory of greater heights with no limits. Involving the whole family, they have ensured that their leadership in the CARAGA agriculture industry stays strong through the years along with Atlas Fertilizer Corporation working towards 100 years.
