MANILA, Philippines - It is a fact that garden plants are part of our everyday life. A pot or two of foliage plants are often used as décor or a bunch of flowers to adorn the altar. Flowers are given as an expression of affection, gratitude or warm welcome. Our country, having fertile soil and a tropical climate, has blessed us with the possibility of growing a wide variety of plants, both tropical and semi-temperate. Most of these plants were introduced from other parts of the world and some are our very own native plants. New plants are constantly being introduced and local plant propagators have learned to select and turn some native plants into more colorful and elegant hybrids.
The floriculture industry in the Philippines was basically a backyard industry when it started. It later evolved into a regular profitable business activity for many small and medium-sized entrepreneurs. Most of them are located in Bulacan, Laguna, Quezon, Baguio, Cebu and Davao. Real estate development, the growth of the tourism industry and the increasing demand of neighboring countries for ornamental products, have further enhanced the growth of the industry.
At present, millions of cut-flowers such as orchids, roses, chrysanthemums, gladioli, daisies and anthuriums are being produced annually to supply the requirements of Metro Manila and other urban centers. Aside from these, there are various plant propagators in the countryside - mostly in Laguna, Quezon and in Bulacan, which mass-produce various plants for the landscaping industry.
Aside from cutflowers, some of the economically important cut-foliages are the dracaena, cordyline, pleomele, murraya, microsorium, philodendron, palm and aglaonema. Live ornamental plants used either as potted or as landscape materials include orchids, bromeliads, mussaendas and medinillas, among others. Interestingly, the total production volume of potted or live plants is estimated to be five times higher than that of cut-flowers, as these are used as indoor or landscaping plants. Other plant propagators specialize in growing shrubs, trees, ground covers and turf grasses, which are very popular with real estate developers.
For exports, the Philippines earns primarily through the export of other live plants and secondly from fresh foliage and third from fresh cut-flowers and flower buds. With these, the Philippines actually has a lot of potential in the ornamental plant industry as we have the resources, manpower and facilities to move forward. The local floriculture industry dreams of achieving prosperity, like that of our neighboring Asian neighbors. We just need the government support for these dreams to turn into reality. With the progress of this industry, more Filipinos will have more jobs and livelihood alike.
The movers of the country's floriculture will be on hand tomorrow, February 23, to open the 3rd Flora Filipina Expo and Conference at the Quezon Memorial Circle, Diliman, Quezon City. It will be held until March 12. Its theme: ''Discover the best and rarest of Philippine Flora.'' This expo aims to promote and highlight our very own floriculture industry and inspire gardeners and landscapers to use our own plant species and hybrids in gardening. A plant and landscape exhibit situated on the Quezon Avenue side of the Circle will be the highlight. Also, there will be a two-day conference (February 24 to 25) with the theme ''Achieving Global Competency in Floriculture'' at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management.
The Philippine Orchid Society, the main organizer of 3rd Flora Filipina Expo, is inviting everyone to visit this expo and see the beauty of our country's floral and botanical treasures meticulously landscaped. We're hoping to see you there!
For more information, kindly get in touch with Ms. Donna Masaoy at 929-4425 or mobile number 0917.8485468 or log in into the POS website at www.philippineorchidsociety.com
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