BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – Flower vendors across the city are witnessing a rush of customers eager to reserve blooms for their visits to cemeteries in remembrance of departed loved ones. Flower shops report brisk sales, with some vendors noting that their entire stocks have already been booked.
RM, a vendor at the Iloilo Central Market, shared that her shop is now fulfilling reservations only, as customers quickly claimed her inventory.
“We’ve seen a slight increase of P50 to p100 on select flowers, but prices have mostly remained stable,” RM noted, adding that price adjustments are likely, depending on supplier costs as demand peaks.
Meanwhile, Bambam Armeza, a florist based in Barangay Rizal Ibarra, explained that while the recent storm Kristine initially slowed business, reservations surged as early as September. “Prices have gone up — for instance, what used to be P350 per flower now costs P450 due to supplier rates,” she said, citing suppliers in Benguet and Manila as primary sources.
Mary Grace Quintar, who sells flowers near Jaro Cathedral, shared that rainy weather had affected her sales.
“Prices depend on suppliers from Manila. If their rates increase, we have to adjust accordingly. For now, prices remain stable,” Quintar said.
Typical flower prices during this season are as follows:
* Carnations – P60 each
* Chrysanthemums — P350 per stem or P60 each
* White Roses – P40 per stem, P400 per dozen
* Small Baskets – P100 to P350, depending on budget
* Large Baskets – P1,200
* Malaysian Mums – P500 per dozen
* White Anthuriums – P500 per dozen
* Taiwan Yellow Flowers – P300 per dozen
* Wonder White – P300 per dozen
* Baby’s Breath – P500 per bunch
* Small Arrangements – Starting at P100
* Rhododendrons – P450 per dozen
With the anticipated influx of visitors to cemeteries, Iloilo City’s flower vendors are monitoring supply and pricing trends to help families commemorate their loved ones with fresh floral tributes./PN
