Special permits let Dangwa flower vendors expand selling spaces during Undas

Manila City Hall has been issuing special permits to flower vendors in Dangwa to let them expand their selling space during the observation of Undas.

According to Jam Sisante-Cayco's report in GMA's 24 Oras on Wednesday, the permit, which costs P1,275, allows vendors in the flower market to extend their selling spaces by another square meter.

With reports from some vendors said that they paid P2,300 for their permits, the City Hall's Business Permits and Licensing Office reminded them to pay for their permits directly at the treasury office to avoid such abuses.

The vendors were also urged to comply with the set limits of extension.

"Ginagawa po namin is continuously umikot nang umikot na 'wag po silang lalampas, pinapakiusapan po namin sila," said lawyer Fortune Mayuga of the Business Permits and Licensing Office.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) earlier warned flower vendors who were blocking an entire sidewalk.

Customers have started to flock to the flower market on the eve of Undas, with some even traveling from the provinces to buy flowers at a relatively cheaper price.

"Iba 'yung presyo dito kaya medyo nagtiyatiyaga na kami kahit medyo malayo," said Alex Juco, a customer from Bataan.

Despite the rise in prices of other commodities, flower prices in Dangwa generally stayed the same as before, as supplies are abundant.

Only a few varieties such as orchids and chrysanthemums saw slight price increases. — Dona Magsino/BM, GMA News