FLOWER vendors in Bangkerohan public market in Davao City expressed their dismay as prices of flowers from their sources almost doubled as Valentine's Day neared.
Jessabelle Topias, a flower vendor, said most of their flowers will have a P50 to P150 increase.
Red roses, the most in demand flower this valentine season posted the highest hike pegged at P400 (regular days price) to P600 per dozen.
“Depending on the type of variety, our roses now sold at P600 per dozen compared to last year's P450-P500,” she added.
This increase is attributed to the low harvest of flowers as compared to last year's.
“We are currently low on the supply of local flowers. Most of them come as far as Bukidnon and Luzon so we have to shoulder the additional expense for the transportation of these flowers,” stall-owner Chrispin Peniafiel said.
Penafiel, however, remained optimistic that people will still buy and that this Valentine's Day will still be profitable for them, the retailers.
The bestsellers such as roses can be bought at P600 per dozen, carnations go for P500 a dozen, Gervera for P280, and Lilies for P350. However, buyers can also avail of their flower rangements with prices ranging from P800 to P1,800 depending on the flowers in each arrangement.
Single roses can be bought for P50 each. Statis still remains at P150 per bundle.
“We have two varieties of roses present: Holland and Calinan. Unlike Holland, Calinan roses are smaller, they cost around P250 per bundle or P25 per stick,” Penafiel said.
He added that on Valentine's Day itself, prices of flowers may skyrocket three times more than regular prices as there will be a big demand and a relatively tight supply.
