Reliving the true essence of Christmas and savouring the deeper meaning of giving are part of the aspirations of Anflo Group of Companies as they celebrated their Christmas Party on December 13, held at the Malipano Island , Pearl Farm Beach Resort.

It was a fun-filled night with sumptuous dinner served, wines flowed, gifts given away, all set to treat the Anflo executives for a job well done whole year through. The night was even sizzled with different dancing tunes making the crowd stomp their feet. Starting off with a serenade of magical music to ballroom hits, the celebration grew more lively and joyous as the night prospered, with the Anflo executives and their spouses rocking the dance floor.

It was a gathering of the Anflo Group dignitaries composed of TADECO, Pitrade, Damosa Land Inc.,Nestfarms, Unifinance, DAPACOR, and DAVCO/SFPI executives. The event were graced by TonyBoy R. Floirendo, Anflocor Vice-Chairman of the Board, Ricky R. Floirendo, Anflocor COO-SVP, Vincent R. Floirendo, Anflocor Vice-President, Congressman Anton F. Lagdameo of 2nd District Davao del Norte, Alexander N. Valoria, Anflocor President and Anthony B. Sasin, Anflocor Executive Vice-President and Vice-Mayor Orly Amit of IGACOS.

Anflocor, in its heartfelt thanksgiving to all those who took part in the growing success of the company, gave out rewards through cash raffles with a grand prize of 50,000 pesos and other major prizes such as 32-inch colored TV, kitchen showcase, Linovo Ideapad, Techno Marine watch and more.

Coinciding the event, was the advance celebration of Tonyboy R. Floirendo’s 57th birthday, being the highlight of the night. In a very heart-warming speech, TonyBoy thanked his executives for steering Anflocor to a far better horizon.

“ The Floirendo family loves you all. We love you all and we thank you for being with us in making Anflocor successful. Without all of you, we wouldn’t be here today”. TonyBoy added addressing his executives.

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Don Antonio blows the candle of his big cake while the rest of his family look on.

Don Antonio O. Floirendo, Sr., the patriarch of the Anflo Group of Companies celebrated his 93^rd birthday last November 20 at Tadeco, Davao del Norte.

His family and friends were present to greet him during the celebration. Along with Doña Nenita, their five children namely TonyBoy with wife Margie Moran-Floirendo and their daughter Monica, Maricris F. Brias, Marissa, Ricky, Vincent, and grandson Cong. Anton Floirendo-Lagdameo with wife Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo and their son Jacobo all joined Don Antonio in the slicing of his big cake.

Floirendo, Sr, himself, thanked the Lord for reaching his age. “At ako'y natutuwa at marami akong natulungan,” he added.

Among the well-wishers, eldest son TonyBoy thanked the Lord for his father's long life, that he was able to help a lot of people. He also recalled how his father was stringent in managing his businesses. “Now we all understand why. It is for all of us,” said TonyBoy.

Antonio Ocampo Floirendo was born on November 20, 1915 in Bauang, La Union. He is happily married for 63 years to Nenita Floirendo and is blessed with 6 successful children and 14 grandchildren.

Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo, Marissa Floirendo, and Margie Moran-Floirendo

happily joined Don Antonio and Doña Nenita.

Known as the banana magnate, Floirendo, Sr. remains to be one of the leading prime movers in the banana business that has contributed greatly to the developmental success of all communities in Davao del Norte.

His continuing passion to serve the people through his many businesses has undoubtedly helped shaped many people’s lives. Floirendo Sr’s vision continues to become a reality in the form of his lifelong and dedicated service.

As part of his continuing service, land titles were given to some 65 families during his birthday celebration at Tadeco Clubhouse. These families who were previously settlers of Purok Mañalac, New Pandan, Panabo City , were each awarded with a 100 sq. meter lot at Purok San Antonio, Brgy. San Vicente in the same city.

“God has blessed me with another good year in my life, and my heart overflows with so much joy to see my family and all the people here who have been a part of my life. I owe you, the people who stood by me through all these years,” Floirendo Sr said.

“It's about time that the Floirendo group, led by my father, give back to the people,” TonyBoy expressed about his father's desire to help the people of Mañalac through the said land titles.

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MBA-APEX Program for Anflocor junior executives

Alexander N. Valoria, Anflocor President, signs the Memorandum of Agreement for the Masters of Business Administration – Accelerated Program for Executives between the said company and Ateneo de Davao University. Assisting him is Anflocor HRD/Administration Sr. Manager Romulo R. Remollo while ADDU President Fr. Antonio S. Samson, S.J. looks on.

Anflo Group of Companies signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Ateneo de Davao University last November 12, 2008, for the enrollment of qualified Anflocor junior executives, managers, and supervisors to Masters of Business Administration – Accelerated Program for Executives (MBA-APEX) being offered by the said university.

Alexander N. Valoria, Anflocor President and Chief Executive Officer, and Fr. Antonio S. Samson, S.J., ADDU President, representing their respective organizations, ratified the agreement for this program that will train 20 students for the first batch. Completion of the MBA-APEX is for a period of two years.

Anflocor distinguishes MBA-APEX as part of its Human Resource Training and Career Development Program to further professionalize its employees making them highly competitive in their respective fields apart from giving them clearer career paths.

Romulo R. Remollo, Anflocor HRD Senior Manager, and Magdalena T. Solis, CPA, MBA, Dean of ADDU School of Business and Governance, were there to witness the event. Joining them were Asst. Dean for Graduate Programs (SBG) Dr. Rustico Bernacer, Asst. Dean for Undergraduate Programs (SBG) Godofredo Eding, Center for Local Governance Director Dr. Nilda Ginete, Assistant to the ADDU President Jeremy Eliab, and ADDU Treasurer Jose Rolex Ratilla.

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It was a fun weekend at Damosa Gateway and Market Basket as everybody celebrated Halloween with parties for kids and adults. 

First treat was a kiddie Halloween party at Market Basket last Friday afternoon where loads of prizes and surprises were given away. Children, ages 12 and below, came in their best halloween/fairy tale inspired costumes, while clutching their unique and creative basket that's full of candies and sweets. 

It wasn't a sleepy afternoon for the kids as free glitter tattoo, trick-or-treat around the mall, magic show, and games abound the whole time. Completing the party were prizes like overnight stay for two at Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Merco Halloween cakes, cash gifts, and special goodies given to lucky participants with the best themed attire. 

Don Antonio O. Floirendo, Sr., wife Doña Nenita Floirendo, and daughters Maricris Floirendo-Brias and Marissa R. Floirendo did not miss the chance to share the fun with a trick-or-treat surprise for the kids around Market Basket mall. Kids in spooky and cute attires flanked the Floirendo's to get their share of the treats that were given away. 

The fun was non-stop as Fashion Evolution 2008 treated the adults, this time, to a party all night long. Aside from live band performances, local models were in the house to parade the creations of Davao's top designers like Doc Garry Sicam, Bobby Castillo, Manny Deiparine, Don Mascariñas, and Ronan Opiña.  

Meanwhile, the tenants of Gateway and Market Basket gamely sent their staff and crew in their scariest costumes for the Halloween Costume contest. In the end, the scary bride-and-groom from the grave, manananggal, hunchback, and headless creature of Hyper Stone Bar bested out other participants. 

October is out, November is in, and December is fast approaching. A whole lot of activities is sure to sizzle the town and turn on the party mood of Davao, only at Damosa Market Basket and Damosa Gateway.

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Guests at Pearl Farm Beach Resort enjoyed the night-long 80's rock 'n roll party at the Malipano Island last October 25, where a lot of surprises including fireworks display, wowed the whole crowd.

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More women inmates exposed and trained in TADECO

The Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) – Mindanao now has 40 inmates exposed and trained in TADECO packing stations.

The company opened this opportunity, initially, to 26 inmates qualified in the Inmates Training and Exposure Program, a noble venture between Department of Justice and TADECO, last June 16, 2008. 

Just this October 22, another 15 inmates have been exposed to the packing stations. They are trained as labeler, plastic remover, and some are assigned as area cleaners. 

“Unta makatrabaho pud mi sama sa uban kay aron naa pud mi ipadala sa among pamilya,” one inmate at the Juan Arcenas Sub-colony in Sto. Tomas noted before the said 15 inmates entered the program. Now, she's part of the newest batch to be trained and exposed in TADECO packing stations. 

The inmates see this opportunity as a way of valuing their worth and respect as humans, giving them chances to be productive and significant inside the institution. It helps them continue to earn while serving behind rails.

Today, more and more inmates are praying that soon in time, another batch will again qualify for the program. This noble undertaking trains them and helps realize their longing to be back in their free community. In fact, one of the inmates in the first batch under this program was recently released from the correctional institution.

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Tagum Agricultural Development Company, Inc. (TADECO) and Antonio O. Floirendo, Sr. Foundation (Floirendo Foundation), in cooperation with Youth ASK organization, the youth development program of Davao del Norte 2^nd District Cong. Anton Floirendo Lagdameo, conducted two different outreach activities in separate Davao del Norte areas, October 18, 2008. 

TADECO and Floirendo Foundation organized a medical and dental mission in Brgy. Cacao, Panabo City where a total of 200 patients gathered to avail of the free services offered by Dr. Mahmod L. Bernardino, Jr., Dr. Nicholas Dawi, Jr. and Dr. Andree Guada Jumanguin. 

On the other hand, other employees of TADECO and Youth ASK, with the help of students from various schools in Davao del Norte region, trooped down the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS), to help clean the coast of Brgy. Adecor in Kaputi-an. 

“Gikapoy nami ug limpyo sa dagat uy,” said Nida Espina, a resident of the barangay's Purok III for 20 years, who complained that it's not their trashes that litter the coastline but are instead those that are swept by the waves from the open sea. She, however, expressed her gratefulness for the presence of TADECO's group in doing the chore for them. 

“Hilig man pud ni namo. Concerned pud mi sa environment,” expressed Janine Marie Huele on responding to the call for cleaner coastal area in Samal. They are also grateful that they can join activities like this since it is scheduled in time with the semestral break. 

Residents of Purok II, of the seven puroks in the said barangay, said the coastal clean-up is also a good gesture that goes in line with their Clean and Green policy that is implemented by their barangay council headed by Chair Danilo Cipe. 

TADECO believes that great value should be regarded for human wellness, which is also synergized with environment protection, since humans don't merely exist – they live. Thus, in its constant, unceasing effort to support societies' welfare, it commits to provide people in different communities with healthcare alongside supporting the government's campaign for a water-loving society.

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It was a week-long community service for Tagum Agricultural Development Company, Inc. (TADECO), San Vicente Terminal and Brokerage Services, Inc. (SVTI), Southern Fresh Products, Inc. (SFPI), and Antonio O. Floirendo, Sr. Foundation (Floirendo Foundation), all affiliates of the Anflo Group of Companies. 

Floirendo Foundation visited the residents of Brgy. Merangeran, Quezon, Bukidnon Province on September 30 with a medical mission conducted in partnership with SFPI.  

“Dakal sa kalipay kay naduan doktor na kauma kaye ta Manahan Clan mid pamugay ta tambal kaye ta kaname mid pasalamat kay ta Floirendo Foundation na ad tabang kaname (We are overjoyed that we were visited by a doctor and we were given medicines. We thank Floirendo Foundation for their great help to us), said Manuvu tribe member Leonora Gaylo, 54. The community, composed of Moslems, Manuvu, and Bisaya, also availed of free blood-sugar screening besides free medicines and medical consultation. 

On October 1, TADECO and Floirendo Foundation donated boxes of fruits to Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) Davao City Council during the opening ceremony of their Council Jamborette 2008 at BSP Camp, Malagos, Calinan, Davao City. The team were welcomed by council officers headed by Chairman and Davao City Administrator Wendell Avisado. 

A bloodletting service was organized the following day, October2, still by TADECO and Floirendo Foundation at TADECO Gym in Brgy. A.O. Floirendo, Panabo City that gathered 147 donors from TADECO workforce and their beneficiaries. 

Two medical outreach activities were, then, simultaneously conducted on October 3 in Panabo and Sto. Tomas. A total of 200 employees of SVTI availed of free medical services that include blood-sugar screening, urinalysis, medical consultation, ECG screening, and distribution of medicines. Meanwhile, TADECO and Floirendo Foundation also offered a free clinic, which included dental check-up and distribution of medicines to the residents of Brgy. Pantaron, Panabo City, gathering 300 patients who expressed their gratitude towards the organizers. Likewise, TADECO Community Relations Section sent additional boxes of bananas to BSP Council Jamborette participants on the same day. 

Culminating the series of activities for the week was Floirendo Foundation's participation during the medical mission organized by the Davao branch of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc., a non-stock and non-profit organization providing parent support to families who have a child with Down Syndrome. Free medicines were given to 50 special children who gathered at DAMOSA Market Basket to avail medical consultation and dental check-up, also administered for free. 

Medical and dental activities, bloodletting services, and feeding program are among the initiatives of TADECO, SVTI, and SFPI as part of their community out-reach programs. Floirendo Foundation, on the other hand, expressed its willingness to commit to bringing necessary services to the employees of Anflo Group of Companies and to the residents of various communities. 

These activities also became successful through the efforts of support staff and medical teams including Dr. Adrian Escandor, Panabo City Health Officer Dr. Imelda Tan Bendijo, Dr. Suzette J. Isip of Davao Medical Center, Davao Blood Center, medical team from the Provincial Health Office of Davao del Norte, Dr. Anna Santos, medical technologist Shiela Santos, ECG technician Gracia Decepida, and the Davao branch staff of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc..

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Navy, AOFF and TADECO hold medical mission in Talikod Island

Besides cooperating in the search and retrieval operation for the missing C-130 plane in the Davao Gulf, the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) teamed up with Antonio O. Floirendo, Sr. Foundation (AOFF) and Tagum Agricultural Development Company, Inc. (TADECO) as well as other public and private sectors in their mission to address the medical needs of the people of Talikod Island. 

In celebration of the 17^th Anniversary of NFEM, the organizers of the medical and dental mission trooped off the coast of Davao City towards San Antonio Baybay Gym, Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Kaputian District III in the Island Garden City of Samal to conduct a medical and dental mission for the people of Barangays Sta. Cruz, Cogon, Dadatun, and Linosutan. 

The residents of the four beneficiary barangays gathered in the said venue to avail of the free services like medical and dental check-up, cataract screening, free medicines, as well as free haircut extended by the volunteer groups. At the same time, 150 Pagatpat and Mangrove seedlings were planted in Brgy. Mansud, Dapia in the said island, while a coastal clean-up was also held at Sta. Ana Wharf in Magsaysay, Davao City. 

Wilfredo Cotamora, 44, a resident of Brgy. Sta. Cruz, said the activity was indeed a very good mission because they availed of the services free of charge and that the organizers attended to their medical needs for one whole day. 

Babies below one year old, accompanied by their parents, to adults as old as 82 years old lined up to consult their physical ailments and know their health conditions as well as to receive free medicines to maintain, or start maintaining, a healthy lifestyle. 

“Kini ang gikinahanglan sa mga tao (This is what the people need),” stressed Brgy. Sta. Cruz Council member Celina Pizaras in expressing his big thanks to the organizers of the activity and especially to AOFF for the distribution of free medicines, which made special impact to the said medical mission. 

Pizaras added that constraints like uneasy access to hospitals and medical institutions plus high fare brought about by Talikod being an island far from the poblacion, make it difficult for the residents of their area to acquire basic services to address their medical and health needs. She even cited additional problems like lack of stable livelihood projects and programs, as well as insufficient source of electricity. 

Lt. Col. Voltaire Engracia, CM Officer of NFEM, said that they still have plans to repeat this activity anytime since they noticed that the people of Talikod were very receptive to the medical mission. He also expressed his big thanks to their partners namely AOFF, AMS Group of Companies, Sonshine Philippines Movement and Handog ng Pagmamahal Foundation, with the assistance of the Philippine Coastguard. The attending physicians were Lt. Comm. Eric Guieb and 1^st Lt. Jim Barrez. 

Both AOFF and NFEM are pursuing various outreach programs and community projects following this medical mission.

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DAMOSA Gateway: 3 years and counting...

Just as the people in Davao City were merry-making for the whole month of August in thanksgiving for the bounty harvest and other blessings received, Damosa Gateway also had the reason to celebrate – its 3^rd Anniversary.

Capping the month-long series of events and fun activities at Damosa compound in Lanang, Davao City, Damosa Gateway organized a party last August 22 in line with San Miguel Brewery Incorporated's 'SMB Night'. The night started with parlor games with giveaways and prizes by SMB that stirred excitement among the participative audience. 

The fiery performance of poi dancers and other dance groups sparked the night. Stand-up comedians of Hyper Stone Bar also goofed and joked their way around, soliciting laughters and giggles from the very receptive crowd. 

Above all, highlighting the celebration was versatile singer and recording artist Chad Borja and his soothing ballads and engaging classic songs like Barry Manilow's Mandy as well as famous OPM's like Side A band's Forevermore. 

Not only the audience were entertained on that night but also ANFLOCOR executives such as Vice Chairman Antonio “TonyBoy” Floirendo, Jr., Senior Vice President Ricardo R. Floirendo, Vice President and Managing Director Vincent R. Floirendo, Vice President for Damosa Land, Incorporated (DLI) Edgar O. Villaver and former Senior Vice President for North Operations Rodolfo G. del Rosario, Jr. who altogether graced the said event. 

The following night after this celebration was the free concert by Bombo Radyo and Star FM where free T-shirts were also given away. Rocking the night were Rocksteddy band and sexy actress JC Parker, who rendered their all-out performances for the jamming crowd. 

It was sure fun way to savor the last few days of Kadayawan 2008 Festival in Davao City. Next year's Kadayawan celebration will be fun-filled and exciting if spent at Damosa Gateway and Market Basket. It will be something that people will look forward to. 

McDonalds Damosa was also one of the sponsors for the Damosa Gateway 3^rd Anniversary. Damosa Gateway and Market Basket are owned and managed by DLI, an affiliate of the Anflo Group of Companies.

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TADECO cares for Children’s Health

Thousands of children all over the world suffer malnutrition and this problem needs immediate action. More than half of all children’s health problems are associated with malnutrition, which weakens the body's resistance to illness. Poor diet, frequent illness, and inadequate or inattentive care of young children can lead to undernourishment.  

This has been the motivation of Tagum Agricultural Development Corporation (TADECO) in cooperation with Don Antonio O. Floirendo Sr. Foundation (AOFF) in launching its feeding program for the undernourished children of A.O. Floirendo Elementary School on September 8, 2008 in Panabo City . More than 200 children were served with mid-morning meal to boost energy level and enhance body resistance. 

In response to the recommendation of the Philippine Association of Nutrition (PAN) that elementary schools should aim to be nutrition-friendly institutions, TADECO seeks to promote healthy and nutritious diet for school children by instituting the feeding program composed of 10 feeding sessions to be scheduled twice in every week. 

Apart from TADECO’s initiative to help decrease the rate of undernourished children, cooperation from parents was strongly encouraged. Parents of the identified malnourished children were gathered during the launching ceremony and were given brief informative talk on proper nutrition for children by City Health Nutritionist Sofia Bendijo. She stresses out that early nutrition affects future mental and physical development and plays a crucial part in the growth of children. 

TADECO also scheduled series of feeding programs to be conducted in other baranggays of Davao del Norte. Scheduled for next month is Brgy. Sindaton in Panabo City . 

Several dignitaries attended the launching ceremony including Rohm M. delos Reyes, TADECO HRD Superintendent, Russell Barrizo, AOFF Program Director, Hon. Miguel P. Niez, DBA, Baranggay Captain and Babito G. Manuguez, M.A, AOFES Principal.

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Filipinos are known for their selfless cooperation in times of crisis. With the many catastrophes that struck the country, Filipinos have manifested their helpfulness in various ways.  

Tagum Agricultural Development Company, Incorporated (TADECO) along with Antonio O. Floirendo, Sr. Foundation (AOFF) enjoined this spirit of bayanihan with other groups and organizations in service to the victims of the recent landslide that struck Brgy. Masara, Maco, Compostela Valley Province.  

Heading the team, FLOIRENDO Fondation Programs Director Russell U. Barrizo said that extending donations to residents of critical areas is one of the projects of the organization. “TADECO community is nestled in a co-existent area, so we aim to spread our assistance not only within but also beyond the boundaries of TADECO. This is also a way to widen our scope on how we can help other people,” Barrizo added.  

TADECO and Floirendo Fondation visited the Incident Command Center of the Municipal Disaster Coordinating Council in Brgy. Elizalde, Wednesday, to deliver their donations composed of food items such as rice, canned goods, and fruits as well as medicines for basic illnesses.  

The team also dropped by the evacuation center at Elizalde Elementary School to see the condition of the residents and to know how they can be of help with the other immediate needs of the victims. There, they found out from Edwin R. Lastra, principal of the said school, that their students need school supplies like notebooks and pencils. With this, TADECO and AOFF promised to return to the area with the needed materials for the pupils.  

Evacuees still remembered the horrifying incident that happened so swiftly, it took the lives of their close friends and neighbors. On the other hand, they feel afraid to gather their belongings left in their houses. “Dagha'g nabiyaan, pero mahadlok mukuha'g gamit ang uban kay basi'g mausban,” said Jimmy Cortez.  

Nonetheless, they thanked the various organizations and groups who offered help through relief goods and other forms of assistance in this critical time. “Daghan ang nanabang [ug] nagpasalamat mi sa paghatag [nila] ug hinabang” said Norma de Leon, who especially thanked TADECO for the bananas that they received.

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