6 days Ago By Sun Star Davao Digital
PRICES of key ingredients for traditional Holy Week delicacies such as “binignit” and “biko” have remained stable this week, but vendors report mixed sales as they prepare for a possible surge in demand over the weekend. Local vendors at Bankerohan Public Market, noted variations in the price of landang, a staple in binignit. In an interview with SunStar Davao, one vendor shared that her landang, which sold for ₱90 per kilo last year, is now priced at ₱100 due to increased transportation costs from Padada and its labor-intensive preparation.
In contrast, other sellers reported no price changes. Vendor Annalyn said her landang remains at ₱60 per kilo — the same as last year. Mark, another vendor, echoed this, noting that his landang is also ₱60 per kilo, while his colored sago is priced at ₱100 per kilo.
Ingredients for biko have also seen relatively stable prices. Jonathan, a regular vendor at the local market, said brown sugar is currently at ₱68 per kilo. However, he warned that sugar prices are volatile.
“Malagkit has stayed the same since last year, but sugar prices change a lot. It’s like gasoline—we never know if it will go up tomorrow,” he said in the vernacular. Malagkit (sticky rice) is currently being sold at ₱55 to ₱60 per kilo, consistent with last year’s prices.
Despite the stable costs, vendors say sales have been inconsistent, with some experiencing slower foot traffic than expected. Many remain hopeful that demand will pick up as Holy Week approaches. Charish Jane B.
Gellor, HCDC Intern.
