Despite economic problems, Undas flower vendors strive to survive

MANILA, Philippines — Despite problems with the economy, this year’s profit for flower vendors outside the Manila South Cemetery is enough to make ends meet as they see fewer competitors this year.

With arranged flowers lined up in the sidewalk, Bryan Amoyan is ready to pack his products once the gate of the cemetery closes at 9 p.m.

The 40-year-old vendor told the INQUIRER that they have been selling flowers since October 29, Thursday. He added that this is part of his family business of flower arrangements.

READ: LIVE UPDATES: Undas 2026 | Nov. 2

“Thirty eight years na kaming nagbebenta ng bulaklak,” Amoyan said, noting that he has been helping with family business since he was 14 years old.

(We’ve been selling flowers for 38 years already.)

Amoyan also said that they also offer flower arrangements for churches, and other occasions.

He added that this year’s profit is better than last year, but it was, as he pointed out, because of fewer competition this year.

He also said that many vendors were not allowed to sell their products this year as they were only given a designated area outside the cemetery. 

As the flower vendor sources out their products from Dangwa flower market in Sampaloc, Manila, he also pointed out that the prices of flowers continue to increase. 

This year saw an economic slowdown, as the inflation rate for September surged to 7.2 percent, which was slightly greater than August’s record of 6.1 percent. 

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, food inflation rose from 4.6 percent to 6.7 percent in September, driven by vegetable prices rising to 10.7 percent. 

It was also in February this year when the Middle East conflict broke out, which drastically affected the prices of fuel products, particularly diesel. 

Meanwhile, Arjay Racho has been selling flowers and candles outside the cemetery since October 28, Wednesday.

The 21-year-old Racho told the INQUIRER that he currently works as a factory worker and he has been selling flowers every Undas since he was 10 years old.

Unlike Amoyan, Racho said that last year’s profit was much higher than this year’s Undas commemoration.

“Okay ang benta, [sapat] sa pang-araw-araw… Tama lang, pangkain,” he said in a separate interview.

(The profit is enough to sustain us everyday… It’s good enough to buy food.) /ms