ILOILO CITY - Consumers are advised to shop early for flowers with prices expected to be dictated by the demand and choose local as they observe Undas. In a press conference on Wednesday, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Antique director Mutya Eusores said the purchasing power of consumers is affected by their time to look for the best items or goods. 'If you will be given the time to look around before you decide which and where to purchase, you do so. You may be able to get something cheaper if you get to go around, also. You have to spend time when you are on a tight budget,' she said. DTI Aklan director Romel Amihan said, based on their monitoring record, the prices of flowers vary, so it is better to do some canvassing if they have the time. 'It really matters to do canvass for you to be able to source relatively lower prices of flowers,' Amihan said. Flowers sold in the region are mostly sourced from Dangwa in Manila, while others are from Baguio and imported from China. DTI regional directo r Rachel Nufable, in the meantime, encouraged consumers to support and buy locally-produced candles and food. She said there are small producers of candles, particularly decorative ones. 'It's good also to consider our local products. Other than cheaper because the cost of logistics is low, we can also help our local entrepreneurs. We advocate go local, buy local,' she said. In the meantime, DTI assured a sufficient supply of candles and bottled water, two of the most sought-after commodities during Undas. Lawyer Jazer Mirada, officer-in-charge of DTI Consumer Protection Division, said all prices are within the suggested retail price. He cited, as an example, the 350ml of Absolute pure distilled drinking water, which costs PHP12, and Wilkins 330 ml at PHP12. Other brands are even lower, he said. The cost of Liwanag Esperma No. 3 white candles is PHP65.78 for a pack of 20, while some retailers are selling at PHP64.75. The Manila Wax No. 14 white is sold at PHP54.10 for a pack of five, but some retailers sell them at PHP53.75. He added that local government units are also required to activate their local price monitoring council. Source: Philippines News Agency