On heart’s day: Scarce supply nearly doubles flower prices

CEBU, Philippines - While it is expected for prices of flowers to go up in this season of love, the unusual cold weather experienced in Cebu last month coupled with the impact of  typhoon Basyang have further pushed flower prices.

In the city’s Freedom Park, prices of various flowers have nearly doubled because aside from the high demand, vendors say, the supply of flowers this month is scarce.

“Daghang buwak ang nangadaot tungod sa katugnaw,” 35-year-old flower vendor Rosinda Panoncia said. “Mao wa na kapahimusli ang uban. Sayang kaayo oy.” (The cold weather affected flower farms and most have been wasted and can no longer be sold)

From P600, a dozen of imported roses now costs P1,200 to P1,300. A bouquet of 12 red roses can be bought at P1,500. A dozen of White Hulan is a little cheaper at P800 with bouquet already.

A bouquet of red local roses with only three stems can be bought at P200, the cheapest bunch of blooms one can buy.

Tulips and Carnations, two of the most in-demand blooms, would sell for P150 and P350 per stem from the normal prize of P80 and P160, respectively.

Daisy and Dandelion-like Gerberas sell for P350 a dozen. A dozen of Calla Lily now stands at P180 per dozen, higher than the previous P120.

Vendors also sell a single red rose which cost P50 each, the cheapest and saleable to the public.

“Ang single rose maoy kasagaran pangitaon sa mga estudyante kay affordable man,” vendor Judith Hayag said. Buyers are expected to splurge on flowers today for their loved ones.

Other list of flowers with its corresponding prizes:

1. Equador - P230 per stem

2. Lelliuna - P220 per stem

3. Statis - P300 per dozen

4. Astromeria - P180 per stem

5. Lesiantos -  P1,000 per bouquet

  When an individual is looking for a flower that does not easily decay, vendors will suggest you to buy Anthurium, a glossy, heart-shaped red petal. A dozen of imported Anthurium with its natural hard texture sells for P300 while the local one costs P100 a dozen. It comes in many colors but red is the most common. 

Although prices are high, vendors say, these are not fixed and customers can actually haggle.

“Mohangyo lang sila namo sa saktong presyo ilabi na kon daghan sila og paliton. Mapaubsan man nato gamay ang presyo,” Florist Stella Gonzales advises.

Vendors also sell imported flowers from Holland, China, Baguio and Davao City. But most of their products come from the mountainous place of Busay in Cebu, Dalaguete of the province and Bohol. (FREEMAN)