Flower shops in Puerto Princesa are now doubling the prices of their flowers due to the cold weather experienced in the Philippines.
PAGASA recorded on January 28 the coldest temperature so far this year which is in Bagiuo, at 9.8 degrees Celsius. Not only is the chilly weather experienced in Baguio, it is also prevailing across the whole country.
Most of the flower shops here are affected by the temperature drop in Baguio since they get their supplies from Dangwa Flower Market in Manila, where flowers there are exported from Baguio City.
Flower shops are getting insufficient supply for in-demand flowers such as roses from their suppliers due to the chilly weather.
Lani, a flower shop owner, said, “Naapektuhan talaga ang supplies namin, lalo na sa mga roses. Nasusunog ang mga bulaklak sa sobrang lamig. Ang iba ay hindi bumubuka. Kaya konti lang ang supply namin ngayon.”
Normally, they increase the cost of their flowers during Valentine’s Day but as early as now, the prices are increasing because their suppliers are also increasing the cost of the flowers.
Jocelyn, another flower shop owner, said, “Ang mahal na ng binebenta ng supplier ngayon eh, kaya kailangang mag-increase din kami.” Since the cold weather is expected to persist until February, the flower shop owners suggest that during Valentine’s Day, people can also buy other types of flowers; those that are cheaper