Increasing the yield of waling-waling flowers advocated by horticulture organization
In Davao City, the Floriculture Industry of Davao, Inc. (Fidi) is leading a significant conservation drive for the critically endangered native orchid, the Waling-Waling (Vanda sanderiana). This endemic orchid species is not only a cultural icon of Davao City but also a symbol of the city's rich biodiversity.
Fidi's efforts aim to move beyond symbolic uses and ensure the orchid's survival and flourishing through practical conservation and industry revitalization. The organisation is collaborating with the Davao City Government, through the City Tourism Office, to establish a botanical garden dedicated to indigenous flora, with a focus on Waling-Waling. This garden will serve as a scientific center for propagation using tissue culture, a method that reproduces plants without disrupting their natural habitat, promoting sustainable conservation practices.
The botanical garden is just one part of Fidi's comprehensive approach. The organisation is also organising an Agri-Trade Fair from August 7 to 17 at the Ecoland Rotunda, aiming to boost production and public awareness. The fair will feature 26 exhibitors showcasing a wide variety of ornamental houseplants, including Waling-Waling.
Ornamental floriculture is now classified as an emerging and priority crop under national agricultural policy, and Davao City is a prime example of this. The region is home to a wide array of commercially cultivated flowers, including orchids, lilies, anthuriums, roses, chrysanthemums, gladiolus, and heliconias.
Waling-Waling holds cultural significance, historically featured in the Apo Duwaling celebration, and currently endangered due to over-collection, with natural blooming limited to July through October. Fidi's initiatives seek to restore public appreciation for native orchids and ornamental plants in Davao, building on the success of the International Floriculture Congress held in October 2024 in Tagum City.
The conservation drive extends beyond the botanical garden and the Agri-Trade Fair. Fidi believes that the role of Waling-Waling should extend beyond ornamental symbolism. The organisation is working to reestablish Waling-Waling as a flourishing centerpiece of Davao's revitalized floriculture industry.
The Agri-Trade Fair will also feature a competition, with categories including anthurium foliage, aglaonema, cacti and succulents, ferns, flowering plants, bromeliads, variegated plants, mixed genera, Philippine species, and philodendrons. Winners in each category will be recognised, with a P20,000 cash prize awarded to the overall Best in Show.
The annual Kadayawan Festival in Davao City, which features Waling-Waling prominently, underscores the importance of these conservation efforts. Before Kadayawan, the festival was known as Apo Duwaling, which paid tribute to Mt. Apo, Durian, and Waling-Waling.
These efforts reflect a comprehensive approach combining science, culture, and industry to protect the Waling-Waling orchid in its native region. Fidi's conservation drive is a significant step towards ensuring the survival and flourishing of this critically endangered native orchid.
[1] Floriculture Industry of Davao, Inc. (Fidi) Press Release, 2024. [2] Davao City Government Press Release, 2024.
- The Floriculture Industry of Davao, Inc. (Fidi), in collaboration with the Davao City Government, is leading a significant conservation drive for the critically endangered native orchid, the Waling-Waling (Vanda sanderiana).
- Fidi's efforts aim to move beyond symbolic uses and ensure the orchid's survival and flourishing through practical conservation and industry revitalization.
- The organization is establishing a botanical garden dedicated to indigenous flora, with a focus on Waling-Waling, which will serve as a scientific center for propagation using tissue culture.
- The Agri-Trade Fair, organized by Fidi from August 7 to 17 at the Ecoland Rotunda, will feature 26 exhibitors showcasing a wide variety of ornamental houseplants, including Waling-Waling.
- The annual Kadayawan Festival in Davao City, which features Waling-Waling prominently, underscores the importance of these conservation efforts.
- These efforts reflect a comprehensive approach combining science, culture, and industry to protect the Waling-Waling orchid in its native region.
