Prices of flowers in General Santos City are expected to go up as Mother’s Day approaches.

Several vendors warned that bouquets may cost nearly three times their usual prices.

A customer was surprised to find that a bouquet he once bought for P200 at a shop in Barangay San Isidro not cost costs P400.

“Nakurat ko oo last kay murag 200 man ni karon 400 na,” a customer, Billy Laot, said.

However, he said the price is worth it when giving flowers to loved ones.

“Hindi question ang mahal sa bulak kung ang imong tagaan imong mahal,” Laot added.

Vendors explained that the demand for flowers during Mother’s Day drives prices higher.

A small bouquet of roses, which costs P350, may rise to as much as P1,000 while crysanthemums and other varieties are also expected to see similar increases.

A florist said flower supply is also affected by high fuel prices and hot weather conditions.

“Ang mga supplier namo naga-ingon kay gamay lang iyang supply sa amoa kay sa El Niño daw. Mao ng taas ang presyo,” a florist, Mary Ann Dabon, said.

Aside from traditional bouquets, customized arrangements are also gaining attention.

Some florists now offer “money bouquets” combining flowers with cash bills as a unique gift option for mothers.

“Pwede sila magpa customize sa amoa. Kanang gikan sa ilaha kung unsay hilig sa ilang mama,” Dabon added.