This month is the celebration of Kadayawan sa Dabaw, a time wherein we celebrate the five emblems of the City. One of them is the eleven indigenous groups in our place in which Mayor Sara Z. Duterte eloquently said, “a celebration of IP culture here is a celebration of culture everywhere else.” One of the indigenous groups we respect and pay tribute to is the Bagobos. 

According to an article entitled “The Last Tribes of Mindanao, the Bagobo, the New People,” published on March 2010, “along the desolate eastern coast of the Davao Gulf, centuries ago, new migrants mixed with the native population, forming a new community that was given the name Bagobo. This tribe traces its origin from the people who brought Hinduism to Mindanao, its name was derived from the words bago meaning new and obo meaning growth. Throughout centuries a strong social structure has enabled these native groups to blend well with the original population, retaining their indigenous customs, beliefs and values.” To this day our Bagobo brothers and sisters mostly occupy the majority of the Malagos area and most of the area by the foothills of Mt. Talomo. Apo Sandawa is the sacred grounds of the Bagobo and it is one of the most valued among the group’s richest cultural heritage. It is also where the infamous Philippine Eagle resides.

Here’s an interesting fact about the Malagos Garden Resort: most of our employees are community based and of a Bagobo descent. This is by far, the best decision we have ever made- an all proudly local team for a proudly local experience with nature. Here are some reasons why hiring community based workers is important especially in the midst of a pandemic:

It is a way of giving back. The abundance the land offers is mainly because of the locals living in it. When we hired most of our staff in Malagos Garden Resort, they were deeply rooted with what the land offers. The love for what we do automatically linked with their love for the place. 

Growing pains is not as painful. Making local talents the first choice ensures that if growing pains or culture mismatches occur, new employees won’t be stuck in a new limbo. They’re already local so there aren’t any relocation difficulties-- it’s a particularly important point for new businesses to keep in mind as we grow and establish ourselves. 

Building a network will be easier. After accepting a new hire and they have proven themselves as a valuable asset, the next step is usually for them to loop in trusted and reliable friends in the fold. This will ensure that the company not only has good people in the team but also one that is a close-knitted group. On top of this, it will be easier to source whatever needed in the area because everyone knows each other. This type of deliberate linking will benefit the company in the long run. 

For now, we still have to close our doors to keep you safe. While we are yet to serve you again, do make sure to have your DIY Malagos garden resort itinerary so you can enjoy the Malagos Garden Resort activities best. These information are conveniently available on our website including  how to get to Malagos Garden Resort.   For the meantime, let us serve you through the Malagos Homegrown Produce. With farm fresh homegrown produce and Malagos signature products available online, you can now stay home and stay homegrown with us. See you soon!