By: Angelica Arquero
Flower farmers in the country’s rose capital are worried that Typhoon Paolo might damage their crops just weeks before the Undas season, when demand for flowers traditionally spikes.
One of them is Noime Wakat of Barangay Bahong, who just sold 70 bundles of roses harvested after surviving the wrath of Super Typhoon Nando. “It was okay because we only got two days of rain and wind. By God’s mercy, our plants survived,” Wakat said.
But the news of another typhoon renewed her worries. “We need to dig canals again so that the water will flow in just one direction. That way, it won’t reach and destroy the plants,” she explained.
Flower vendors, however, assured that supply remains stable. “It’s not just here in Bahong. Other barangays also plant flowers, so when they come together, there’s enough supply for buyers,” Wakat added.
Vendor Nora Ayen said imported flowers are also arriving, which could help stabilize supply.
As of now, roses cost 50 pesos to 60 pesos per stem, radus at 140 pesos to 150 pesos per bundle, anthuriums at 300 pesos to 350 pesos, and asters at 100 pesos to 120 pesos.
Farmers say prices in the coming weeks will depend on how much damage Typhoon Paolo brings.
