LLSSP Alumni Profile: Mary Ann Cogollo of Dafalong's Garden Cafe

Dafalong's mini park set against San Dionisio's scenic mountainscapes

Dafalong's Garden Cafe is an idyllic getaway set in a sprawling farmland in Brgy. Bagacay, San Dionisio, Iloilo. City dwellers from south of Panay and neighboring towns have discovered the charm of this property owned by LLSSP-Practical Landscaping graduate Mrs. Mary Ann Cogollo. Fast becoming a tourists spot for nature lovers and local plant enthusiasts, Ilonggo plantitos and plantitas have taken 3-hour long road trips from Iloilo City to enjoy the beautiful landscaped mini park with stunning water features as well as enjoy a spectacular view of what was once Northern Iloilo's most beautiful mountain from the cafe's relaxing vantage view. Aside from the homemade treats and meals served by the cafe, avid gardeners and plant collectors also troop to the Dafalong's for ornamental plants and landscaping materials available for sale.

The owner shared that the Practical Landscaping courses that she enrolled in at West Visayas State University's Lifelong Learning for Self-Sufficiency Program (LLSSP) under Dr. Crisanto Lopez Jr. further added to her knowledge and skillset in managing her landscaping and ornamental business. Even before she enrolled in Practical Landscaping I-III she was already a creative green thumb and plant lover, traits nurtured by her parents. She shared that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the widespread interest of people who wanted to nurture plants while in lockdown further strengthened her business. Surprisingly, the pandemic was a boon for plant and landscaping related businesses everywhere and during those times, clients would approach her for landscape design as well as pocket garden projects. She was also a steady supplier of plant materials where she earned good money. She laughingly shared that sometimes she would be earning more income than her husband. She has also successfully integrated her family's bespoke furniture business to her landscaping business where wood is grown from their tree farm. Her flourishing ornamental and landscaping business is a testament that the landscaping business when paired with passion and creativity is bankable and worth pursuing as long as one has the desire to develop or enhance a green thumb and learn landscaping skills through continuous education.