ILOILO City – Market vendors all over this capital city reported fluctuating food prices ahead of the holiday season.
“[Ang] mga balaklon ganubo man ang presyo pero ga-fluctuate,” said Iloilo Central Market vendors’ president Woody De La Riarte.
These commodities include vegetables, pork and poultry, he added.
Raden Abono, a meat vendor at the La Paz public market, shared the same observation.
“Ang baboy subong P220, sang ligad P230,” he said, adding that the prices will most likely go up as Christmas nears.
“Sa paglantaw namon, paglapit na ang Christmas, gasaka. Ang baka ‘ya subong nagsaka gid ya. October 1 nagsaka, pero depende man kung may suki-ay,” Abono stressed.
Lapaz Public Market vendors’ president Charlie Chan said the prices of beef, pork and poultry increase “little by little each day.”
Chan also affirmed that the prices of these products will surge this month and in December.
He added: “Ang mga utan steady man lang. Pero ang isda – law of demand e. Kung gamay panguha, mahal. Wala ka gid ‘ya makita nga price sang isda nga wala gasaka.”
Meanwhile, the city government has allowed flower vendors to sell at public plazas and the Iloilo Central Market for the yearly observance of All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls’ Day (Nov. 2).
A special business permit for P200 and pay P300 for electricity connection must first be paid at the Business Permit and Licensing Office of city hall, according to Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO) head Jeck Conlu.
The vendors must also secure a barangay clearance, he added.
“Wala sang iban nga may manukot sa ila. Wala sang dapat mag-take advantage sa aton mga vendors,” he added.
In Jaro district last year, flower vendors were allowed to sell only at the back of the Jaro Cathedral but this created traffic congestion. Thus this year, said Conlu, they were allowed to do business at the public plaza.
PSTMO sees an estimated 140 flower vendors at Jaro plaza this week, and 160 at the central market.
“Ang mga wala permits and those selling flowers other than at the public plazas and central market risk being apprehended by the Task Force on Anti-Squatting and Illegal Structures,” said Conlu.
All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day are traditionally marked by visiting the graves of loved ones. People usually bring flowers, light candles and offer prayers./PN
