Repurposing Malagos Garden Resort into a Farm

After almost three months in this crisis, we look back on how we started shifting gears and how our passion for the farm-to-table movement is helping us navigate through the new normal. 

Malagos Garden Resort shifted into a different business model when the quarantine started. We initially saw the need of bringing the bounty from Malagos farms to local residents in Davao City who were in dire need of support during the initial weeks of the lockdown period. Through this initiative, not only did we help the local residents but also our farmers and the agriculture industry thrive in a challenging time.

Despite the temporary closure of the resort, we wanted to find a way to continue our service to the locals in the city. The current crisis has deeply affected our normal operations but with the birth and growth of Malagos Homegrown Produce, our frontliners (employees and farmers) were able to translate their energies into providing healthy choices for the locals.

The initiative initially came from the team of farmers, employees from Malagos Garden Resort and its sister comapnies: Malagos Chocolate, Malagos Farmhouse, and Puentespina Farms.

This was a collected effort among sister companies. Malagos Garden Resort (we have a vegetable garden to serve the Resort's needs), Puentespina Farms in Malagos and Carmen, and also Puentespina orchids and Tropical Plants in Baguio District.

We have already been growing our own greens like Lettuce before the crisis and the produce that were harvested were used in preparing the farm-to-table food that was served at our restaurants and weekend lunch buffet. When the quarantine happened, we started expanding our small garden and began repurposing portions of the resort into farms where we continue in growing our produce. We also started building bee nurseries for our honey harvest. It was a Malagos Garden Resort upgrade that we never thought would immediately happen in a span of three months. 

Produce like fruits french beans, free-range eggs, are from Puentespina Farms. Lettuce, tomatoes, lemons are sourced inside the resort. We repurposed our flower farms into produce farms so we can maximize the space. Watercress and some herbs are from our sister company, Puentespina Orchids and Tropical Plants

We’re also helping farmers from Bansalan in selling their produce like cabbage, pechay, and carrots.

We have fresh fruits, dairy products, and premium meat and fish secections available. For our dairy products, we have free-range eggs, pasteurized goat’s milk, and artisanal cheese from Malagos Farmhouse. We also have our award-winning, single-origin, proudly made from tree-to-bar, Malagos Chocolates. Locals can also enjoy baked delights like oatmeal cookies with cocoa nibs, chocolate crinkles, doughnuts, and freshly-baked rolls and leaf bread.

When you buy local and organic products online, especially from the Malagos Homegrown Produce, you’re not just helping yourself but you are also helping the local economy and farmers make ends meet. Now more than ever, we see and feel the significance of supporting our farmers who are basically one of the foundations of any community. Now is the time to rethink your shopping habits and switch to buying your farm-fresh produce online.

Davao Resort 2020 may be cancelled but the important thing is that you're keeping yourselves and your family safe and healthy. The best resort to visit in Davao City may have to wait but as soon as this will be over, Malagos Garden Resort is here to welcome you once again and take you to experiences refined by nature.