The Covid-19 pandemic crisis has been very disruptive especially to the small and medium-enterprises (MSMEs) in the city. It has forced ventures to experiment at an unprecedented rate and scale as we realize that what was once “normally” essential and important is now not needed at all - like tourism spots and resorts. What was not necessarily a need before has become essential like grocery and food deliveries. 

Malagos Garden Resort is one of the many MSMEs in the city who have decided to change gears really quick to continue providing for their employees and the residents of Davao City in this time of need. And it seems that this is only the beginning of more changes as we head on towards the “new normal” and its new conditions.

Given the massive changes underway and yet to come, the reality is clear: if business owners do not experiment and adapt, many of their ventures will disappear and all of their past efforts will all go down the drain. This will include massive layoffs and, ultimately, bankruptcy – something that we don’t want to happen to any business during this time.

If you’re a business owner, you might want to ask yourself these questions:

·             How is the pandemic changing my customers’ needs?

·             How can I provide new benefits to satisfy those needs?

·             How should I monetize both existing and new benefits in new ways?

Malagos Garden Resort was one of the many business establishments that has decided to follow the local government unit’s memorandum on the temporary closure of non-essential businesses when the quarantine began. The team decided to quickly adjust its business model to adapt to what’s necessary. Due to the growing need for a healthier option for the residents in the city, the resort launched the Malagos Homegrown Produce to help address that need. In almost two months, the shop was able to provide and reach all areas in the city and is now constantly adding new products to satisfy the customers needs.

One of the new products that will soon be added to the growing homegrown collection of Malagos are Davao Local Food like Humba and Caldereta. Most of these items are found in the Malagos Garden Resort Food Menu and many of the guests have shown delight to the twist to these local food favorites. These dishes were also USDBC certified for incorporating healthy and approved dry beans and lentils into their meals. What was once enjoyed during weekend buffets at the resort will soon be enjoyed at home.

The Delivery of More Than Just Food

Malagos Garden Resort has pivoted towards a delivery model and expanded its services to support the delivery of farm-fresh produce, frozen meat and fish, locally-loved signature products, gardening items, upcycled items and soon frozen meals and food bundles to all residents in Davao City.

The greatest lesson that a business owner can learn is by utilizing the core business model asset – homegrown produce – and identifying critical needs that are impacted directly, or indirectly, by the pandemic, Malagos has been able to support communities and farmers that require ongoing care for existing conditions as well as ensure that vital and healthy supplies reach the residents who are safely quarantined in their homes.