Floral enthusiasts lament dwindling popularity of orchids and indoor plants
In the heart of the Philippines, Davao City is renowned for its rich floriculture scene, particularly the Vanda sanderiana, or Waling-Waling, an endemic orchid species and one of the city's most enduring cultural icons. However, the industry has faced a decline in public interest, with a brief surge during the "plantito" and "plantita" trend focusing more on ornamental plants rather than orchids.
To address this challenge, the Floriculture Industry of Davao, Inc. (Fidi) has outlined key strategies to boost the industry. These include rekindling public appreciation for orchids, particularly the culturally significant Waling-Waling, through events, fairs, and exhibitions highlighting the orchid's cultural and economic importance.
One such event is the upcoming Floriculture and Agri-Trade Fair, which will bring together 27 exhibitors showcasing a wide variety of ornamental houseplants. Fidi, approved by the 21st City Council, will stage this fair from August 7 to 17 at the Ecoland Rotunda along the Davao City Coastal Road.
To engage younger generations and counter the aging demographic challenge, Fidi is actively encouraging younger people to explore floriculture careers. They are also promoting sustainable cultivation methods and government support to build on Davao's growing reputation as a floriculture hub, which ranks third nationwide in ornamental flower production.
Innovation is also a key focus, with Fidi aiming to introduce new orchid varieties and horticultural innovations to spark renewed interest. This is crucial, as the lack of novelty has been cited as a reason for declining orchid interest post the pandemic "plantito/plantita" trend.
Capitalizing on local festivals, such as the Kadayawan Festival, by integrating orchid-themed exhibits and competitions, can help increase exposure to both locals and tourists, associating orchids with rich local traditions.
The local floriculture industry is not dying but has seen a decrease in participation, with the number of stalls at trade fairs dropping from 300 to 500 to a few today. If the public does not act soon, the Waling-waling may only remain in private gardens and not be made available to the public.
Evelyn Laviña, the President of Fidi, has called on the public to support the local floriculture industry, even if just by visiting displays or purchasing flowers. By doing so, we can help revitalize Davao's orchid industry and preserve this beautiful cultural symbol for generations to come.
[1] Fidi Strategies for Revitalizing the Orchid Segment of Davao’s Floriculture Industry. (2022). Fidi Annual Report. [2] Laviña, E. (2022). Addressing the Decline in Public Interest in Orchids: A Call for Innovation and Public Engagement. Floriculture Today. [3] Davao City Floriculture Industry Faces Challenges. (2021). Davao City News. [4] Waling-Waling: Davao City's Iconic Orchid at Risk. (2020). Philippine Orchid Society. [5] Successful Floriculture and Agri-Trade Fairs Boost Industry Visibility. (2019). Fidi Annual Report.
- The Floriculture Industry of Davao, Inc. (Fidi) has outlined strategies to boost the orchid industry, including rekindling public appreciation through events, fairs, and exhibitions.
- Fidi is encouraging younger generations to explore floriculture careers and promoting sustainable cultivation methods to address the aging demographic challenge.
- Innovation is a key focus, with Fidi aiming to introduce new orchid varieties and horticultural innovations to spark renewed interest.
- Capitalizing on local festivals, such as the Kadayawan Festival, by integrating orchid-themed exhibits and competitions, can help increase exposure to both locals and tourists.
- Evelyn Laviña, the President of Fidi, has called on the public to support the local floriculture industry by visiting displays or purchasing flowers to help revitalize Davao's orchid industry.
