Gardening blooms in the Philippines

For all the damage it has caused the business sector and the broader economy, the coronavirus-related lockdown that prevailed over the Philippines from March to May has opened up new opportunities for Do It Best licensee Handyman and True Value Philippines. Their gardening business has grown thanks to people looking for domestic activities while sheltering in place, the government's move to encourage backyard farming amid food supply issues arising from difficulties in transporting produce, and celebrities posting their own progress in cultivating greens on social media.
"There was social media hype during the lockdown about home-grown food, how easy and quick some varieties grow," said Stanley Co, general manager for both Handyman and True Value Philippines. "Sales of seeds and gardening products increased significantly."
He believes that this popularity will be sustained as garden enthusiasts - plantitos (plant uncles) and plantitas (plant aunts) in the vernacular - nurture their newfound hobby and "make sure that the seeds they've planted will grow," Co added. "We are looking to sustain it by providing more resources about fast-growing vegetables to keep the market hooked," he added.