About 27 members of the Floriculture Industry of Davao Inc. will showcase flowers for sale during the Floriculture AgriTrade Fair, scheduled from August 7 to 17 on the Davao Coastal Road, beside the Rio Carnival.
Evelyn Laviña, President of the Floriculture Industry of Davao Inc., said in a media interview on Tuesday that the event is very important and timely as it highlights thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest of beautiful flowers.
Laviña said they aim to revive Davao City’s reputation for floriculture, which is an important part of agriculture.
“Part nuon ay mga kabulakan natin, one of these is our Waling-waling, ang mga orchids from Davao, (Our flowers are part of it, one of which is our Waling-waling, the orchids from Davao),” she said.
She added that they are concerned because although the Waling-waling orchid still thrives in Davao, only a few farmers continue to cultivate it.
Laviña emphasized that their goal is to further strengthen Davao City’s floriculture industry, which cultivate s not only Waling-waling but also a variety of other flowers.
“It is not really a dying industry, but we no longer participate in many activities unlike before, when the number of stalls reached 300 to 500,” Laviña said. “What we are doing now is bringing floriculture back as part of the Kadayawan celebration.”
She urged the public to support Davao City’s floriculture industry by visiting the booths and purchasing the products on display.
Laviña also said that the local government, through the City Tourism Office, has been very supportive in the event preparations.
She acknowledged their significant role in promoting plant tourism and supporting floriculture organizations in Davao City.
On Tuesday, the 21st Sangguniang Panlungsod approved their request for exemption from rental fees for the space used for the event.
As of now, Laviña said their organization, which was founded in 1999, has 53 members from within and outside Davao City. CIO
