- MITCH M. LIPA
Buyers of flowers started visiting the stalls at the back of the BAYS Center in downtown Bacolod Feb. 13, even amid the price increase of at least 30 percent.
Glen Amar, president of the 18-member Bacolod Plaza Flower Vendors Association, said they have enough supplies that started arriving since Feb. 11, although the bulk prices of flowers from the provinces of Benguet and Cayagan increased.
The cost of three red roses in bouquet arrangement is now at P450 from the P300 price range last year; while a bouquet of six red roses costs P750 from P600 on Valentine’s Day in 2021.
Vendors accept bouquet arrangements, at a minimum of P1,000, and can add heart balloons and stuff toys with additional charges.
Amar said one factor for the increase was the transportation cost, but he said that they can still give discounts to regular clients.
Red roses are the most expensive because of the demand. But quality flowers can last a week, or even longer, if they stay in a cool place, he said.
Amar said that unlike last year’s Valentine’s Day, when the city was at the height of the quarantine restrictions because of the rising COVID-19 cases, they expect to earn better this year, with the continuous decrease in the number of new infections, and the expected de-escalation of the city’s alert level status, from AL3 to AL2, or even lower.
He said the expected good weather Feb. 14 could also entice people to go out, buy flowers and celebrate the Feast of Saint Valentine.
Vendors expect a flock of buyers, mostly males, in the morning of Feb. 14. There are also buyers in groups, particularly students, he added. — MML
