By CESAR JOLITO III
Flower vendors along Father M. Ferrero, Rizal and San Juan Streets are bracing for the influx of customers as Bacolodnons prepare to honor their departed loved ones this Undas.
However, this year’s blooms come with a higher price tag.
According to several vendors, flower prices have noticeably increased compared to last year due to limited supply from major flower sources in Cebu and Benguet.
The shortage has pushed up costs for both loose flowers and pre-arranged bouquets.
“Mas mahal subong kay indi pareho sang una nga madamo supply halin Benguet. Bisan mga local flowers nagataas man presyo,” one vendor shared, noting that the increase ranges from P50 to P150 per bundle depending on the variety.
Traditional favorites such as chrysanthemums, Malaysian mums and roses are still in demand, despite the price hike.
Vendors are also offering more budget-friendly alternatives like locally grown marigolds and gladiolas to cater to cost-conscious customers.
City authorities have already cleared the surrounding streets and set up traffic and crowd control measures in anticipation of the surge of buyers leading up to All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.
Despite the higher prices, vendors remain optimistic that sales will remain strong as families continue to observe the tradition of bringing flowers to the graves of their loved ones.
“Undas man gihapon, indi ‘ni mapunggan sang presyo. Gusto gyapon sang tawo nga may bulak para sa ila patay,” another vendor said.
Limited hours
The Bacolod City government will enforce limited visiting hours and stricter security protocols in all public cemeteries during the observance of Undas as part of efforts to ensure order and safety amid the expected influx of visitors.
City Administrator Atty. Mark Mayo said cemeteries will be open only from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. from October 31 to November 2, citing the city’s need to manage large crowds.
“We set the visiting hours to manage crowds in our public cemeteries,” Mayo explained, adding that the restrictions are part of the city’s annual safety plan for All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.
Aside from time limits, the city government has banned the bringing of deadly weapons, liquor and gambling paraphernalia inside cemeteries.
Coordination has been made with the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) to secure all major burial grounds — North Public Cemetery (Burgos), Granada Cemetery and Handumanan Cemetery.
Private cemeteries are also encouraged to adopt similar crowd-control measures, Mayo added.
BCPO Director Colonel Joeresty Coronica said the police force is now on heightened alert and will deploy 262 personnel across cemeteries, transport terminals and seaports to maintain peace and order throughout the long weekend.
Each police station in Bacolod has been instructed to set up assistance desks at cemetery entrances to help visitors and deter crime.
“We remind the public not to bring bladed weapons, firearms, gambling materials, intoxicating liquor, or loud karaoke. These are prohibited inside cemeteries,” Coronica said./CJ, WDJ