DA assures enough supply of flowers on Valentine's Day

CEBU, Philippines - Despite the threat of the prevailing El Niño on farm production, consumers can expect enough supply of flowers on Valentine's Day.

Gerry Avila, agribusiness chief at the Department of Agriculture in Central Visayas, said yesterday that supply of flowers from farms in Cebu City's highlands is so far stable, based on the report he received from the City Agriculturist Office.

"Although we can still expect prices to go up because of the demand," Avila told The FREEMAN in a phone interview.

Quoting City Agriculturist Joey Baclayon, Avila said city growers in mountain barangays still had enough water to support their production despite the El Niño.

"Wala pa gyud kaayo maigo ilang production sa El Niño," Avila said.

Occasional rain had occurred the past few days.

Prices to go up

Prices of flowers are expected to go up in the coming days until Valentine's Day on the 14th.

The DA official said a significant increase can be expected in the price of rose, the most in-demand flower during Valentine's Day.

Crysanthemums, tulips and carnations, among others are also in-demand this time. Flower bouquets also become a hit during Valentine's Day. 

Avila said majority of flowers sold in various markets in Cebu City are locally grown while the rest are imported.

Flowers are locally sourced from Busay in Cebu City, Dalaguete town and Bohol province.  (FREEMAN)