THE Floriculture Industry of Davao, Inc. (Fidi) is intensifying its push to boost the production and conservation of Vanda sanderiana, more commonly known as Waling-Waling, an orchid species endemic to the Philippines and one of Davao Citys most enduring cultural icons, especially during the annual Kadayawan Festival.
Before Kadayawan emerged as Davaos signature celebration, it was known as Apo Duwaling, a name that paid tribute to Mt. Apo, Durian, and Waling-Waling, three natural and cultural symbols of the city.
Today, while Waling-Waling continues to feature prominently in festival imagery and city branding, Fidi asserts that its role must extend beyond ornamental symbolism.
Speaking at the Habi at Kape media forum on Wednesday, Fidi President Evelyn Lavi�a underscored the urgent need for concrete conservation measures, pointing out that despite Waling-Walings iconic status, efforts to preserve and propagate it have been lacking.
She noted the importance of restoring public appreciation for native orchids and ornamental plants, adding that Davao must reclaim its identity as the countrys floriculture capital.
Fidi is currently coordinating with the Davao City Government, through the City Tourism Office, to establish a botanical garden dedicated to indigenous flora. The proposed garden would also serve as a center for scientific propagation through tissue culture, a method that enables plant reproduction without removing specimens from their natural habitat, promoting sustainable conservation practices.
As part of this advocacy, Fidi will stage a Floriculture and Agri-Trade Fair from August 7 to 17 at the Ecoland Rotunda along the Davao City Coastal Road. The fair will bring together 26 exhibitors who will showcase a wide variety of ornamental houseplants.
Competition categories include anthurium foliage, aglaonema, cacti and succulents, ferns, flowering plants, bromeliads, variegated plants, mixed genera, Philippine species, and philodendrons. Winners in each category will be recognized, with a P20,000 cash prize awarded to the overall Best in Show.
The fair also builds on the success of the International Floriculture Congress held in October 2024 in Tagum City, which was co-organized by Fidi and various local government partners. That event marked a milestone in showcasing the floriculture sectors growth across Mindanao, particularly in the Davao Region.
According to Jennifer Aquino, coordinator of the Department of Agricultures High-Value Crops Program, last years congress laid the foundation for expanded government support, with ornamental floriculture now classified as an emerging and priority crop under national agricultural policy. She emphasized that the industry is gaining traction as a viable economic sector.
Aquino also cited data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showing that Davao currently ranks third nationwide in ornamental flower production, a testament to the regions growing status as a floriculture hub. The region is home to a wide array of commercially cultivated flowers, including orchids, lilies, anthuriums, roses, chrysanthemums, gladiolus, and heliconias, staples in floral designs for celebrations such as Araw ng Davao and Kadayawan.
With stronger policy support, increased public awareness, and sustainable cultivation methods, Fidi hopes to reestablish Waling-Waling not just as a cultural emblem, but as a flourishing centerpiece of Davaos revitalized floriculture industry. DEF
