Flower prices shoot up ahead of ‘Undas'

MANILA, Philippines –  The prices of flowers went up in Manila’s flower markets as All Souls' Day draws near.

Reports said flower prices at Sampaloc, Manila’s Dangwa Flower Market started to double as flower supply was affected by Typhoon Lando.

Since most flowers are from Baguio, flower supply deliveries were affected causing a price hike of P20 to P30 per dozen. Most roads in Baguio were closed last week due to landslide.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), however, clarified that wholesale price is not affected.

“Ang explanation nung leader ‘yung pagbaba lang ng produkto ang hindi regular, kumbaga before the Lando mga limang truck daw 'yung nagbabagsak sa Dangwa, dahil sa mga aberya na-monitor nila na this week dalawa lang but in terms of the price 'yung wholesale price na bagsak pareho lang,” DTI Undersecretary Victor Dimagiba said in a televised interview with GMA.

Aside from Baguio, flowers in Dangwa are imported from Bukidnon, Cebu, Davao and Silang, Cavite.

According to reports, the prices of Malaysian mums went up from P120-P200 to P150-P240 while international flowers went up P50 above wholesale price. Flower prices are also expected to rise by October 28 onwards.

The DTI assured that they are monitoring the prices of commodities in demand during Undas such as flowers and candles. The state agency said it will regularly release bulletins that will serve as guide to consumers. They also advised consumers to buy these commodities beforehand as prices are anticipated to peak days before November 1.

There are 14 candle companies that will be monitored in the coming Undas.