Prices of flowers in Baguio double before ‘Undas’

BAGUIO CITY – The province of Benguet has produced more than enough flowers to supply the demand for the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days or “Undas” season this year, although the prices of blooms in this city has already doubled since Friday.

Prices of flowers being sold in the city have doubled, five days ahead of the observance of the revered day of the dearly departed because of the huge demand.

The city government has opened the selling area for flowers at the Ganza Parking – the same venue it allots yearly on Harrison Road.

A week ago, long-stemmed and big petal roses were sold at only R100 per dozen, but as of Friday the price has ballooned to R200. Chrysanthemum is sold now at R250 a dozen from only R150 last week.

Varying price increases were also seen for Malaysian mums which are now R150 a dozen; Alstroemerias, R60 a dozen; Carnation, R350 a dozen; White Anthurium, R350 a dozen; Red Anthurium, R200 a dozen; and Gerbera flowers, R350 a dozen.

“Manang Evelyn,” a flower vendor, told the Manila Bulletin she expects the prices to increase further beginning today until the morning of October 31.

Andy Colti, president of the La Trinidad Cut-flower Growers’ Association in Benguet, said that there is enough supply of flowers this year. “We did not have rains that destroyed our plants so we will be expecting enough if not more than the required quantity,” he said.