BACOLOD CITY — Weather disturbances in Luzon have driven up the prices of flowers in this city as demand is expected to increase for the observance of All Saints’ Day on Thursday and All Souls’ Day on Friday.
Vendors regularly selling in stalls at the Bacolod Public Plaza have noted higher prices since Oct. 15 among flowers sourced from typhoon-affected areas in Luzon.
Vendor Small Esquilla said they have enough stocks for the occasion until Friday.
Prices have soared by PHP5 to PHP15 per stem for Malaysian mums, chrysanthemums, anthuriums, and glandulas. Esquilla said these flowers are the most in-demand during the two-day observance.
The cost of Malaysian mums has increased to PHP30 each from the previous PHP20 while anthuriums now cost PHP15 to PHP40 per stem, from only PHP10 to PHP35 before.
Chrysanthemums and glandulas can now be bought at PHP20 and PHP35 per stem, respectively, from the previous PHP15 and PHP30 per stem. Flower baskets cost PHP100 to PHP1,500, depending on the size.
Prices might still increase if costs in source-markets also rise, Esquilla said, adding that higher transport costs will also translate into higher prices.
Meanwhile, about 250 seasonal vendors have secured special permits from the city government to sell flowers from Oct. 29 to November 2.
Executive Assistant Ernesto Pineda, head of the Market Coordinating and Monitoring Task Force, said vendors pay PHP200 for the special permit and another PHP200 for the garbage fee.
These flower vendors set up stalls near the Libertad South Public Market along Hernaez St. and Mabini St.; Burgos North Public Market along Burgos St. and Galo St.; and Bacolod Public Plaza along San Juan St., Gonzaga St., and Gatuslao St.
Pineda said they require kiosk owners who sell candles to also secure special permits.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia has formed Task Force All Saints’ Day to monitor and assist in the implementation and regulation of public markets, plaza, and cemeteries in the city. (Erwin Nicavera and Nanette Guadalquiver/PNA)
