Shoppers in Mangaldan, Pangasinan said they have been buying fruits “almost with eyes closed” as prices continue to rise ahead of the holiday season.

Some buyers shared that they still try to purchase what they can but hope for more affordable options, soon.

“Ok pa naman pero as much as possible sana, bumaba para happy ang Christmas,” Eric Paragas, a shopper, said.

According to the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG), the increase in prices is due to the reduced supply of local fruits after Typhoon Uwan damaged farms across Luzon. Vendors in Mangaldan Public Market said the effect is clear, with many stalls unable to display locally sourced fruits.

At the stall of vendor Alicia Sevilla, hardly any local fruit is available. She said the supply continues but prices keep moving.

“Continue naman yung supply natin, kaya lang yung presyo tumataas lang… May araw na meron, may araw din na matumal,” she said.

Market prices as of November 24, 2025, show a significant jump. Bananas from Davao and Isabela now cost ₱70 to ₱80 per kilo, higher than the previous ₱50 to ₱60 range. Mangoes have reached ₱180 per kilo, while a box of imported apples and pears is up by ₱500. Imported oranges, once ₱20 each, now sell for 3 for ₱100.

SINAG Chairperson, Engr. Rosendo So, said the supply situation may take months to recover.

“Wala pa [supply ng local fruits]. Recovery ng [local fruits] natin [ay] matagal pa. Mga March, April pa,” he said.

Despite this, retailers remain confident that imported fruit supplies will be enough to meet the holiday demand for Christmas and New Year.