Vendors assure enough flower supply

by Paula Jhea Sison

BAGUIO CITY - Flower vendor Nora Manuel smiles in front of the camera as she arranges flowers to be sold at her stall along Harrison Road. Paula Jhea Sison

Baguio flower vendors and growers assure that there is enough flower supply for the observance of All Saints Day.

Nora Manuel, a flower vendor along Harrison Road, said that the growers intentionally cultivate more flowers before the Undas.

However, it is expected that the prices will hike up as November 1 approaches.

Manuel estimated that there might me 50-100% increase in the flowers as more people demand for it.

“Habang papalapit ang November 1, tataas nang tataas ang presyo ng mga ito. Siguro sa 29 or kaya sa 30 na ’yong pinakamalaking pagtaas,” Manuel said.

Malaysian mums which is one of the most common flower to buy during the Undas costs around P150-P200 depending on size. It is slightly high compared to the usual price of P150. On the other hand, roses are now sold at around P250 a dozen depending on its color from its regular price of P150,

Chrysanthemums which would normally cost P150 a dozen are now P250-P300. Anthuriums are now priced at P200-350 from P180-300 based on the flower’s color.

“Sa November 1 nang umaga o kaya 31 ng gabi, paniguradong bagsak presyo ang mga bulalak kasi sayang kapag hindi naibenta,” Manuel added.

Manuel also stated that the prices in the supply areas such as Barangay Bahong in Benguet are slightly lower than those sold in the city. This is because these flowers are sold in bulks for resell purposes.