Shoppers at the Mangaldan Public Market in Pangasinan were surprised by the sharp increase in vegetable prices weeks ahead of Holy Week, with some nearly doubling in cost, especially highland vegetables.
Letty Bautista, a regular market-goer from Barangay Bateng, was shocked at the sudden price hike.
“Tumaas ang presyo kasi Holy Week,” she said.
According to vendors, the prices of cabbage, wombok, and broccoli have risen by as much as P20 per kilo.
Benguet beans saw the highest increase, jumping to P110-P120/kg from P50/kg.
The current prices of vegetables, as of March 18, 2025:
- Wombok - P80/kg
- Repolyo - P50/kg
- Broccoli - P70/kg
- Sayote - P20/kg
- Carrots - P40/kg
- Patatas - P50-70/kg
- Benguet Beans - P120/kg
- Kamatis - P15/kg
- Talong - P50-60/kg
- Ampalaya - P60-70/kg
- Sitaw - P60-70/kg
- Kalabasa - P40/kg
“Tumaas ngayon ang presyo kasi kakaunti, wala kaming magawa kasi mahal ang kuha namin,” Eduardo Pedralvez, a vendor, said.
Despite the price hike, the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post assured that the supply remains sufficient.
“Sa ngayon, masasabi nating affordable pa naman ang mga gulay,” Janice Binay-an Alleg, a market supervisor, said.
Meanwhile, prices of native or lowland vegetables remain stable as harvest continues in the province.
