by Ernesto T. Solidum
Kapihan habitués on July 4, 2009 were treated to an obscure money maker about ornamentals and cutflower business. Panelists were Ms. Iris C. Joligon, proprietor– Terraflora Plants and Garden Supplies, Ms. Editha M. Sazon, proprietor–Sazon Greens and Blooms and Ms. Yuhum P. Ruiz, professor, ASU.
Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente underscored that floriculture is one of branches of agriculture that is synonymous with fragrance and beauty. In order to treasure them, we must develop necessary skills to nurture them, he said.
On the other hand, Mr. Juan P. Dayang has long known that Aklan’s rich diversity of flora and fauna can be comparable with those from other places in the world.
Ms. Joligon confirmed that Aklan’s soil, climate and water are indeed suitable for the production of ornamentals and cut-flowers for domestic and international markets. As a high value crop however, the business sector has not exploited mass production of plant species in desired quantity and quality needed by a high end market especially Boracay.
Ms. Sazon targets tropical plants like heliconias, also known as false birds of paradise since they are adaptable, hardy and has longer base life. She gets frustrated over our inability to deliver rather big volume of products in a short notice while entrepreneurs from Bulacan, Baguio, Cebu, Iloilo,Capiz and other places arrive delivering them by plane/truckloads.
Addressing the issue on getting more garden enthusiasts to engage in landscaping, floral arrangement and cut foliage, we must undertake mass education at grassroots level. Lecture demonstration on cultural practices, post harvest, handling and marketing must be included said Ms. Joligon. “Definitely, there is no such thing as a green thumb but a tender, loving, and caring desire for growing plants and being ecstatic about it”.
Ms. Ruiz mentioned that flowers are largely intertwined with our human psyche and existence. Flower arrange-ments enliven our spirit and quintessentially present from the time of birth to our deathbed. Ubiquitous presence of ornamentals dates back to men’s creation in the Garden of Eden to the idyllic hanging gardens of Babylon. Presently, every nook and cranny of our homes, office and leisure areas are invaded by flowers of every hue and shape. Of all the arts, nothing beats the magic spell of flowers says the lady professor.
Agribusiness plan of Ms. Sazon calls for setting up four (4) hectares ornamental farm in Venturanza, Banga. She envisions that Aklan Horticulture Society through the support of Gov. Carlito S. Marquez establishes the Botanical Garden in Tangalan to be subscribed by all 17 municipalities for benefit of local residents and travelers. Botanical gardens are found in all key cities of the world and are prominent tourist attractions. Expected to be on display will be our indigenous and rare species namely: schismatoglottis (yellow var), staghorn fern and ladies slipper all abound to be crowd stealers.
Re-greening Suggestions
Serious defects in implementing guidelines and judging criteria of this year’s Aklan Re-greening and Beautification contest were unraveled. Panelists are agreed that a) there was poor choice in the selection of indigenous plants; b) Volume and uniformity not carried out to enhance distinctive style and theme; c) maintenance of cleanliness, hedge trimming, watering and other care were not carried out on long term basis; and d) less involvement and participation of some LGU’s and civic organi-zations in the program despite the granting of cash incentives and prizes.
It is regrettable that the Provincial Tourism Officer, Ms. Carina Quimpo-Ruiz was absent during the discussion on flowers and ornamentals. She begged off through a message sent by her subaltern.
Obviously, our business sector particularly horti-culturists have under-estimated the big demand of tourism industry in Boracay. Ornamental and cutflowers trade is a multi million pesos industry of Baguio, Davao, and Laguna where they employ cutting edge technology in ti ssue culture and hybridization of exotic varieties. For instance Fuentispina Orchid farm in Davao City employs a plant breeder to develop new varieties of vandas and cattleyas.
It is vital that govern-ment intervention is necessary in promoting this sunshine industry on a sustained basis because of direct employment oppor-tunities and demand of domestic and international market. Most likely, offshoot of vibrant flower industry could be apiary business or beekeeping, a time honored tradition that is highly desirable.
Diversification can be accepted where long cultivation of rice and coconut have kept many farmers in abject poverty and want. /MP
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