Benguet flowers still best way to say “I love you”

Monday, February 13, 2012

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Sixty-four-year-old Agnes Dampac still talks to her flowers everyday; she says it makes them grow better.

Dampac along with hundreds of flower growers in barangay Bahong is prepared for today’s celebration of Valentine’s. She proudly said most of the flowers sold in Manila today came from the province.

Have something to report? Tell us in text, photos or videos.

Her flowers sell for a cheaper price than those you see in pricy stores; anthuriums sell for P50 per dozen while carnations are prices at P70 per dozen.

Barangay Bahong is considered as the center of the local cut-flower industry in this part of Benguet.

In Bahong, farmers produce Malaysian mums, rose, anthuriums and other flowers sold during occasions like All Saints Day, Valentine’s Day and other special seasons where these products are in demand.
Dampac said every resident in the barangay has a small backyard flower garden, often times amazing visitors, they also take care of their blooms in their own personal ways. “May radio sa garden ko, para sa mga bulaklak,” Dampac said explaining her blooms “listen” to music.

Cut flower farmers here sell their products at the Dimasalang area in Manila. Benguet supplies heavily to these open markets, aside from highland vegetables.

Provincial Agriculturist Lolita Bentres said flower farmers are also seeing a surge in sales as the season for cut flowers are on the verge of a peak, months for flowers start November with the celebration of All Souls and All Saints days.

Bentrez said peak months include November, February where Valentine Day is celebrated as well as the annual Baguio Flower Festival as well as March where majority graduate from schools and universities here.