Prices of cut flowers soar ahead of ‘Undas’ holidays

‘UNDAS’ STAPLE The market and sidewalks of Baguio City are filled with cut flowers being sold in time for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. —Valerie Damian

BAGUIO CITY—Prices of cut flowers here have sharply increased ahead of the “Undas” holiday.

Jesus Gutierrez, a flower vendor at the Baguio public market, said prices of some flowers had almost doubled in the past two days.

On regular days, alstroemeria or Peruvian lily is sold at P40 to P100 a dozen, he said. Now it can be bought for P60 to P150 a dozen.

Radus flower is now P250 a dozen from its previous price of P80 to P150. Roses are P300 to P450 a dozen from P200 to P250.

Anthuriums doubled from P250 to P300 to P500 a dozen. Small chrysanthemums are sold at P160 a dozen while the large variety costs P300.

Among the cheapest flowers are Malaysian mums sold at P50 per bundle or per flower arrangement.

Cameron Odysey, director of the Department of Agriculture in Cordillera, assured consumers of an abundant supply of cut flowers for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

In 2016, flower farms in Benguet province produced 42 million dozens of flowers. Prices of flowers increase during peak months, particularly on Undas and on Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day and the Christmas season. —VALERIE DAMIAN