Agrispecialist recognizes that a

modern storage facility is essential

to maintain the quality and

freshness of its brands while

observing Good Manufacturing

Practice (GMP).

As the leading provider of animal

nutrition and health products in the

Philippines, the company has set

out the construction of two

adjoining storage facilities that will

house the finished products mainly

premix and other exclusively dis-

tributed products from international

partners. The project timeline is

from six to eight months with tenta-

tive completion date on May 2017.

The two storage facilities has a

floor area 2,800 m² and height of

10 m each occupying the north-

western part of the corporate office

and manufacturing plant. At any

given time, each building has 1.5 to

tons of loading average capacity

and can hold approximately 90,000

bags at 80% space utilization.

The new warehouses utilizes the same advanced technology to move, track and maintain the fresh-ness of goods from point of entry through delivery to customers. The production team uses an efficient Bar Coding system for data collec-tion, Enterprise Resource Planning

system which monitors the flow of

goods from raw materials to fin-ished products and climate control technology to avoid dusts, pests, humidity and more threats that can compromise the integrity of the products. (continue to page 4)

2016 DECEMBER

Agrispecialist, Inc.

AgriNews

Agrispecialist expands storage facility

Contents:

President’s Message 2

Albac 3

Nutritionist of the year 5

New website 6

PAHA conference 7

Service awardees 8

Mario M. Labadan., Ph.D., Chairman of the Board, plants the seeds of growth and prosperity for the company as he facilitates the groundbreaking ceremony.

Page 2 Agrispecialist,Inc

President’s

Mario C. Labadan, Jr.

Christmas, the very word that

brings excitement and joy to our

hearts is just days away. And as

everyone is busier than ever

preparing for the holidays and

finding gifts for their loved ones, I

would like to begin the merriment

by greeting you a very Merry

Christmas and a prosperous New

Year.

As the true spirit of the season

comes from our homes, I am giving

my most profound gratitude to all

our employees, the moving force

and stable source of support for this

company. Your loyalty and

commitment steered the company

to a level of success that we have

never imagined.

Thankfully, we have a few

colleagues that are celebrating their

significant anniversaries with us.

We can only be grateful to you for

the gift of time and talent. In

anticipation of our 39th year in the

industry, I am more than certain

that our bond as family and

partners will be stronger towards a

common goal.

As a leading animal and health

company, we are also blessed to

have establish and preserve

meaningful relationships with our

customers and clients overseas.

Their generous hearts provided

Agrispecialist with countless

opportunities to grow, expand and

flourish.

Appropriately, we spread the spirit

of Christmas all throughout the year

by providing an excellent service

and value products for our

customers. It is always a privilege

to serve.

We recently ended our fiscal year

on a positive tone through the

commendable efforts of our sales

teams across the country. Once

again, we reached the finish line

together but a handful of sales

managers displayed much more

determination. The run to reach the

top honors never fails to surprise

me and the management. I am very

pleased that our

awardees have an-

Caption: (Seated from left: Rachel O. Tan, Lead Auditor, Jun C. Labadan, President, Dr. Sheila M. Gatchalian, Food Safety Team Leader, Jimmy S. Navarro, Plant Manager; Standing from left: Jojo Labadan Deputy Food Safety team, and members Cynthia M. Bonifacio, Eileen Dia, Lyn Onate, and Cheryll Sarmiento)

People, Events & Places

Agrispecialist passed ISO surveillance audit

Agrispecialist, Inc. passed the

fourth surveillance audit for ISO

22000:2005 or known as the Food

Safety Management System. This

demonstrates the company’s firm

commitment to produce and distrib-

ute safe and quality animal health

and nutritional products.

In order to maintain the compa-

ny’s ISO registration, Agrispecialist

submits to a periodical evaluation to

determine its adherence to the

standards of the program.

Certification International is an

organization that provides the

management system assessment

and ISO certification services to

Agrispecialist.

Ms. Rachel Tan, Lead Auditor of

Certification International Phil-

ippines, Inc. conducted the surveil-

lance audit last August 10, 2016.

The inspection evaluated critical

areas of our operations such as hy-

giene and sanitation, implan-

Page 3 Agrispecialist,Inc

Product view

ALBAC: Closing the gap between performance and potential

Juvie G. Castillo, Nutrition Specialist

With the recent implementation of

ASEAN Free Trade Area, the

biggest challenge being faced by

the Filipino farmers today is how to

be globally competitive for them to

thrive in a market where only the

most efficient operation can sur-

vive.

However, global competitiveness

is not only equated with farm or

feed efficiency but most importantly

with feed safety.

The clamor to produce safe feeds

led to the worldwide trend of

completely eradicating the use of

antibiotic growth promoters (AGP’s)

in animal feeds, the dilemma being

faced now by animal raisers is to

still maintain feed efficiency without

having to resort to the

indiscriminate use of the banned

AGP’s.

Thankfully, there are still a few

remaining proven growth

promoters like Zinc Bacitracin that

are still being allowed to be used in

the feed without the threat of

antibiotic resistance. And when it

comes to Zinc bacitracin, the gold

standard is Albac®.

Albac contains feed grade zinc

bacitracin equivalent to 15%

bacitracin per kg. It is a

fermentation product of Bacillus

licheniformis Tracy which is mainly

active against gram positive

bacteria.

It prevents bacterial cell wall

growth by inhibiting the release of

peptidoglycan. Albac helps in

lowering intestinal counts of

Clostridium

perfringens thereby promoting a

healthy gut flora and a higher nutri-

ent absorption in the gastrointesti-

nal tract of swine and poultry.

Additionally, Albac is more sta-

ble than generic bacitracin since it

was produced using the patented

Chilsonation process which

improves flowability and stability

and minimizes dust to ensure

proper dosage.

Bacterial contamination causes some essential nutrients like energy and protein to be used by the animal to fight off the infection thus negatively affecting feed efficiency and average daily gain.

However, the effective antibacterial action of Albac will close the gap between animal performance and potential by simply addressing the threat of pathogen contamination, thus energy and protein are not wasted but used for growth instead.

Albac assures bet-

Page 4 Agrispecialist,Inc

Additional parking spaces will be constructed at the front of the facili-ty for employees and custom-ers. The two buildings also have spacious loading areas for deliv-ery and

(cont: ware- house

expansion)

Jun C. Labadan, company

President believes that the value

chain concerning manufacturing

and distribution of products

should be complemented by

state-of-the-art technology and

housing facilities to maintain

quality and excellence in the

production of goods. He shared,

“the growing industry and higher

demand for nutritional products

of value is very much evident in

the country and companies such

ours are pressed to respond

promptly to satisfy the needs and

surpass the expectations of our

customers”. He also pointed out

that maintaining a controlled

manufacturing environment adds

customer confidence and

alongside adhering to the ISO

22000:2005 standards or the

Food Safety Management

System.

Furthermore, the new storage facilities has special amenities to ensure workers’ convenience and comfort before heading and leaving the production lines. The facility has resting areas, lockers, walkways and toilet and bath.

additional gates for emergency

purposes.

This project is just one of the many innovations that Agrispecialist is undergoing to keep up with progressive direction of the animal nutrition and health industry as well as serving the needs of our valued

Our founders, Dr. Mario M. Labadan and Ms. Mary Anne Jiao, laid the time capsule o communicate the plans and aspirations of the company for the future generation of leaders and employees of Agrispecialist, Inc.

All thumbs up for the new storage facilities (from left: Eng. Arnie Misolas, Dr. Javier P. Mateo, Technical Director, Marcial C. Labadan, Business Unit Head—Luzon, Cheryl J. Lazaro, VP-Finance, Mario C. Labadan, Jr., President, Fr. Felix Pacia, Mary Anne Jiao, EVP/CEO, Dr. Mario M. Laba-dan, Chairman Joseph J. Aguinaldo, Business Unit Head –HOI

Page 5

People, Events & Places

Philsan awards Animal Nutritionist of the Year

Ms. Filomena SD Pascual

received the Animal Nutritionist of

the Year award from the Philippine

Society of Animal Nutritionists

(PHILSAN) last October 6, 2016 at

the Marriott Grand Ballroom in

Manila during the 29th Annual

Convention. Every year Philsan

recognizes a member who made

profound contributions to the

growth of the profession and the

industry.

Ms. Pascual holds a degree in

Animal Science from University of

the Philippines-Los Banos and a

Master in Science major in Animal

Science and minor in Agricultural

Biochemistry from the same

prestigious university.

She is currently the General

Manager of Lipa Quality Control

Center, an analytical services

laboratory that provides services to

the feed millers, poultry and

livestock growers. In her tenure,

Ms. Pascual conducted various

technical seminars for Philsan

which raised awareness on the

importance of quality control and

good quality feeds to improve the

profitability of feed millers, farmers

and growers. She also

standardized in-house laboratory

methods on the analysis of

vitamins, antibiotics, nutraceuti-

cals and other feed additives. Over

the years she has earned the trust

and confidence of numerous

animal health and nutrition

companies for their lab analysis

requirements.

Still, it is her humble service to

the society and the industry which

endeared her to peers for more

than twenty seven years. She

served several positions but spent

more time as society Treasurer for

thirteen years. Through her

judicious management of finances,

Philsan successfully accomplished

noteworthy events such as

outreach programs, conventions,

conferences and other society

events.

She also played vital role in the

formation of students as an

instructor and later as thesis

adviser to students who wanted to

pursue the profession. She created

a program to accommodate

graduating students of agricultural

and veterinary schools to conduct

their farm practice as a requirement

for graduation. Ms. Pascual

passionately recruited new

members, guided and trained

several younger peers in feed

formulation and quality control and

feed assurance management.

Fondly known as “Tita Minnie” in

the industry, she will remain a

valuable member and an inspiration

to countless colleagues who admire

her commitment, humility and

passion to serve for the good of

Agrispecialist,Inc

Our management team showed their appreciation and full support to the Philsan’s awardee. (from left: Dr. Javier Mateo, Technical Services Director, Dr. Mario M. Labadan, Chairman, Ms. Filemena San Pascual, Mary Anne Jiao, COO, Jun Labadan, President and Mon Bien, Business Unit Head VisMin)

Page 6 Agrispecialist,Inc

AgriTech

Our brand new website is finally live

The company

recognizes that a

modern website is

the best

approach to reach

and educate its

customers and other stakeholders

as it opens its doors to limitless

opportunities through the worldwide

web.

There are 3.4 billion internet

users all over the world or 46% of

the global population. On a closer

look, the Philippines with 102

million populace has more than 47

million active internet users.

This brings our country as a

significant user just behind Brazil

with the highest internet penetration

at 46%. Filipinos are believed to

spend the most time using the

internet with an average of 5.2

hours per day.

As the leading provider of

animal nutrition and health products

n the Philippines, Agrispecialist

realizes the importance of being

accessible in this vast and growing

platform.

The new website is an alternative

channel for the company to

communicate and maintain a high

level of awareness of products and

services among the customers.

The company’s vision of the

website is clear. Its structure is

simple and easy to navigate yet

flashes a fresh and modern look

that appeals both to global and

local visitors. All the contents are

straightforward and relevant which

encourages every user to stay

longer and return on the site again

for product and service inquiries.

The home page sums up all the

key points that acquaints the user

about the organization which

showcases select products,

newsfeeds, and important events.

A quick tour of the company page

gives the visitor historical view of

the organization and its vision of

the future but more importantly it

shares vital information about the

people behind the management, its

expertise, country and global reach

as well as worthy recognitions over

the years.

On one hand, the product page

focuses on the proudly Philippine

made products manufactured by

the Agrispecialist.

The features, benefits and other

technical details of the products are

outlined in every product page that

also allows the visitors to send

inquiries and download more

information.

The media page collates

Photo credits to www.shivrajbroadband.com

Page 7 Agrispecialist,Inc

Animal Science upgraded its fleet recently when it issued brand new Mitsubishi Mirage cars to its Technical Sales Representatives. As the company grows, more time is spent on the road to promote the Hills brand across Luzon. The time was right to upgrade the aging vehicles to give way to a new, fuel-efficient and reliable company car. Now, Tony and Jong can reach their customers easily and safely every time they hit the road.

Animal Science

Hill’s Pet Nutrition joins the 2016 PAHA Conference

The Philippine Animal

Hospital Association (PAHA) is an

opportunity for the Hill’s brand to

enrich its relationship with

veterinarians and promote the

health and nutrition of

companion animals.

The annual PAHA Conference

was convened last October 11-13,

2016 at Novotel in Quezon City

where 465 veterinarians filled the

venue. The exhibit showcased the

innovative pet nutrition and

veterinary health care products of

Hill’s. Our team of experts were in

full force and hands-on throughout

the exhibit to promote the extensive

portfolio of Hill’s to PAHA

members.

“As always, our company is very

pleased to participate in the confer-

ence because it provides our key

clients a chance to understand our

products more and to introduce our

brand to new practitioners and at-

tract more business partners”

shared by Marcial C. Labadan,

Business Unit Manager for Animal

Science, Inc., the Philippine

Both dashing gentlemen, Tony Docog and Jong Perez stand beside their sparkly white service. Honk if you agree!

It was a busy day for the Hill’s team as PAHA members visited the booth to learn the latest products and services from Hill’s.

It was a fun and rewarding time for our team to represent Hill’s during PAHA Conference. (from left: Preben Javier, Business Development Manager, Jong Perez, Technical Sales, Elaine Riego, Marketing Manager, Marco Ripoll, Veterinary Affairs Manager and Tony Docog, Technical Sales)

Animal Science upgrades sales’ fleet

Page 8 Agrispecialist,Inc

AgriNews is published by:

Agrispecialist, Inc.

American Road, Greenfield Auto Park, Sta. Rosa,

Laguna Philippines 4026

Tel. No. (+632) 584-4202 to 04

Fax No. (+632) 584-4208

E-mail: asi@agrispecialistinc.com

Service awardees

Aireen N. Bayot, Admin, 5 yrs.

Alvin D. Castillo, Sales, 5 yrs.

Jovita G. Castillo, TSG, 5 yrs.

Daisy S. Herrera, Sales, 5 yrs.

Marissa T. Pimentel, TSG, 15 yrs.

Lorraine C. Laurel, ANSCI, 5 yrs.

Mario C. Labadan, Jr.,20 yrs.

Edgardo H. Sabado, Sales, 25 yrs.

Editorial Board

Editorial Consultants

Mario C. Labadan Jr.

Mary Anne Jiao

Editor-in-Chief

Jherrist M. Gorayeb

Antonio A. Dacumos, Prod, 30 yrs

Samuel A. Narisma, QA, 20 yrs.

Herbert E. Distor, Prod, 25 yrs.