Cut flower growers in Benguet province have started displaying a wide array of blooms along Malcolm Square in Baguio City in preparation for All Saints’ Day, with assurances from the Department of Agriculture (DA) that there are sufficient supplies to meet the demand during the holiday.
Benguet, known for its relatively cool climate and high elevation, is one of the Philippines’ major sources of roses, anthuriums, and gladiolas. The province produces between 25 and 30 million metric tons of fresh flowers annually for various occasions, including All Saints’ Day, the yuletide season, Valentine’s Day, and the Baguio Flower Festival.
Last year, Benguet gardens produced 2.1 million dozens of cut flowers over nine months. Despite fluctuations in cut flower production in the past, there is currently no sign of oversupply in the week leading up to November 1.
The flower industry in Benguet has faced challenges in the past, particularly due to competition from imported ornamental flowers, which led to fluctuations in production as local farmers anticipated higher demand from hotels during Christmas.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses, including flower sales, faced shutdowns, causing significant disruptions to the flower industry in the region.
For this year’s All Saints’ Day, retail prices for cut flowers have not seen any unusual spikes. A special flower bazaar set up at Malcolm Square in downtown Baguio City attracted shoppers looking for varieties of roses, anthuriums, gerbera, chrysanthemums, and carnations for their memorial offerings.
Sales are expected to increase on Monday and Tuesday as people prepare for the succession of long weekends during the holiday period.
