Only two greenhouses are left with flowers ready for harvest at Mario’s farm in Barangay Dontogan, Baguio City.
Since last month, flower buyers have been coming in large numbers to their farms.
The farm gate price of Malaysian mums is 150 pesos per bundle, as demand remains high.
“It’s more expensive now in Manila. That’s really where the flowers go,” said Mark Gil Ladia, a flower supplier.
However, they expect prices to increase even further a few days before Undas…
His Malaysian mums are just beginning to bloom, but he’s confident he’ll catch the high prices.
“If the weather is good, it will bloom faster, but if it’s a bit cloudy, it’ll take longer,” Ladia mentioned.
The increase in flower prices in Baguio City is already being felt in the flower market…
For example, roses are now priced between 150 to 600 pesos per dozen, depending on the variety.
Alstroemeria is priced at 60 pesos per dozen.
Malaysian mums are around 150 pesos per bundle.
“As of today, the supply is still low. I don’t know if the farmers will all harvest at the same time because the flowers bloom on a schedule, some say around the 28th-29th,” said Estela Dumas, President of Cut Flowers and Vendor Association.
But flower prices are expected to rise even more in the coming weeks.
“The prices will go up, it’s starting, and we don’t expect it to go down. It will drop by November 1 or 2,” Dumas added.
Nevertheless, farmers are hoping for good sales this Undas to have enough capital to prepare for Valentine’s Day and the Panagbenga Festival next year.
**JOSE ROBERT INVENTOR
