ILOILO City — Flower prices could increase by as much as P150 as demand surges ahead of the observance of All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls’ Day (Nov. 2), although several vendors in Iloilo City have pledged to maintain fixed prices despite the expected influx of buyers.
With flower-selling operations having officially started on October 29, vendors are stocking up on supplies from Baguio, Manila, Cagayan and Cebu in anticipation of brisk sales during the annual “Piyesta Minatay” observance.
Along Rizal Street in the City Proper, 78-year-old Rogelia Abella of Arevalo district who has been selling flowers for 20 years said small bouquets currently cost P100, while larger arrangements sell for up to P500.
She warned that prices could rise by as much as P150 on November 1, depending on supply and demand.
“Gina eksperktar namon nga damo madagsa sa Sabado kag ulihi nga adlaw bag-o ang Piyessta Minatay,” Abella added.
However, vendors in Jaro district said they would maintain competitive prices to attract customers amid growing competition.
Maria, 67, owner of Maria Flowers Shop in Barangay Seminario, said her arrangements cost between P150 and P500, with discounts available despite her fixed-pricing policy.
“Sa subong, okay pa ang supply, damo pa gid subong ang bulak namon. Okay man ang benta subong ah,” said Maria, who has been in the flower business for 30 years.
“Ang makita namon sa isa ka adlaw, depende man sa volume ka customer kay indi lang man kami diri ang gabaligya kag supplier. Gakuha kami ka supply sa Manila, Cagayan, Cebu,” she added.
Another Jaro vendor, 46-year-old Salinor Nain, said her family’s flower business would maintain existing prices through November 2.
Her shop sells individual flower stems for P50, standard arrangements for P200 to P300, and premium bouquets for P500 to P700.
“Ga-fixed price kami. Bisan sa November 1 same man gihapon price. Kompara sang nagligad, daw same same lang man sa gihapon ya kita,” Nain said.
Nain, whose family has operated the business for nearly three decades, said sales and profit margins have remained relatively stable compared with previous years.
Advance orders have also started coming in as customers seek to avoid the anticipated holiday rush.
“Damo naman subong ang gapa-reserve sa amon, kag may ga-walk-in man,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Iloilo City government has designated five areas for holiday flower vending: Molo Plaza, Jaro Plaza, Arevalo Plaza, Mandurriao Plaza, and Ruperto Montinola Street along Iznart Street in City Proper.
Vendors are allowed to operate from October 29 until 8 p.m. on November 2, when all temporary stalls must be cleared.
The designated vending areas are intended to accommodate increased commercial activity while minimizing traffic congestion during the traditional cemetery visits for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day./PN
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PHOTOS BY ALLEN ANIMAS/PN
“Maria”, who runs a flower shop in Barangay Seminario, Jaro, Iloilo City, says her arrangements cost between P150 and P500, with discounts available despite her fixed-pricing policy.
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PHOTOS BY ALLEN ANIMAS/PN
Along Rizal Street, Iloilo City, Rogelia Abella has been selling flowers for 20 years. She says prices could rise by as much as P150 on November 1, depending on supply and demand.
