Benguet's cut-flower growers expect an ample supply of quality blooms for Valentine's Day and the Panagbenga festival, thanks to the cold and dry weather, an association official said Monday. Andi Colti, president of the La Trinidad Cut-Flower Growers Association, said the favorable conditions ensure good production even through Holy Week.
"Everybody has planted and we have a lot of flowers, especially with the open farms' supplies readily available. The good weather conditions and cold temperature assure us of supply even up to the Holy Week," Colti said in an interview.
He said the main challenge is a pest causing rusted leaves, but supply is sufficient for both local festival needs and nationwide Valentine's demand.
"The Panagbenga is just a small portion compared to the flowers transported in Metro Manila and other parts of the country," he added.
Colti said most float makers source locally, and rose growers use technology to time blooms for peak demand from Feb. 13 to 15 to take advantage of good prices.
Source: Philippines News Agency
