Will there be enough roses from La Trinidad on Valentine's Day?

This is the time of the year when income of flower growers in Barangay Bahong, La Trinidad, Benguet is expected to rise, but they have bad weather to deal with.

Flower grower Jacqueline Tamayen said extreme cold weather affected the growth of their roses. The temperature in their area was between 11 to 14 degrees Celsius in January.

A stall owner at the Dangwa Market in Manila ordered 500 bundles or 12,000 pieces of red roses. Tamayen only committed 200 bundles. A bundle of extra long roses costs P500. Tamayen can only get almost half of her target income.

On the other hand, Arthur Ortillo’s harvest has better quality. He said their plantation’s location allows the flowering plants to get enough sunlight.

Barangay Bahong produces the biggest supply of roses in La Trinidad, which are delivered to Manila, Nueva Ecija and other provinces. Despite of the effect of the cold weather, barangay officials said they have enough supplies for Valentine’s Day and the Panagbenga Festival.

Source: www.news.abs-cbn.com