Daraga:Albay For 40 years, Alice and Salvador Miras, both 72, have been cultivating flowers that not only honor the deceased during Undas but also provide a livelihood that has supported their family. The couple, residing in Alcala, Daraga, Albay, shifted from vegetable farming to flower cultivation due to insufficient earnings from vegetables like tomatoes and bitter gourd. Their flower farm now supplies customers across Bicol and other provinces, with Undas being one of their busiest seasons.

According to Philippines News agency, the Miras couple attributes their ability to educate their seven children to the income generated from their flower farm. Three of their children graduated from college, and their youngest is now employed as a librarian. The couple strategically plants flowers to coincide with high-demand periods, such as Undas, Holy Week, and Valentine's Day, thus ensuring a consistent income throughout the year.

The farm, spanning about a hectare, grows a variety of flowers including Malaysian mums, baby's breath, celosia, and goldenrod. Alice and Salvador personally tend to the plants, monitoring their growth and ensuring they are well-cared for to prevent wilting and deterioration. Despite challenges such as unpredictable weather, which previously caused losses due to heavy rains, the couple remains hopeful as recent moderate weather has improved their crop yield.

Over the years, Alice and Salvador have established a network of regular customers in regions like Sorsogon, Albay, and Samar. They have also adapted to changing circumstances by replanting young plants to reduce costs. The couple finds fulfillment in knowing their flowers are part of many families' traditions of remembrance, and they feel a sense of moral obligation to continue planting for these occasions.

Alice expressed gratitude for the improved harvest this year and continues to rely on her faith as they face future uncertainties. She hopes to enjoy many more seasons of planting alongside Salvador, emphasizing the strength of their relationship forged through years of shared labor on the farm. As they prepare for another Undas, the Miras remain committed to sustaining their livelihood and serving their loyal customers for years to come.