Local florist calls for revival of Davao floriculture industry

FLORIST and businessman Jade Polizon said more events such as competitions and exhibits should be staged to breathe new life into Davao City’s floriculture industry. “We know that Davao City has lots of talented florists. I think it is lack of access to education and also the facility for this kind of industry. Unlike in Europe (where) there are a lot of schools and organizations catering to florists and every now and then there are big events organized for all flower enthusiasts. In Davao, we only have the Kadayawan,” he said in an interview at the Waterfront Insular Hotel’s Visual and Wearable Art Exhibition in line with this month’s Kadayawan celebration. He said while he has been in the industry for 15 years, it was the first time that he did a flower installation in the city. “I was really fortunate that Jennifer Romero of Waterfront Insular Hotel has given me the opportunity to showcase my talent,” he said. He noted that Davao City is already known for its waling-waling orchid, cutflowers and ornamental plants, but there is a need to open more venues to showcase this. — Maya M. Padillo