THE DEMAND for durian skyrockets every August as Davaoeños and tribal groups celebrate the Kadayawan Festival.
During TIMES’ monitoring at the Magsaysay Fruit Stand on Thursday, Aug. 1, durian prices ranged from P200 to P250 depending on the variety.
However, in the upcoming weeks, with the Kadayawan Festival, Ronnie Villarico, a vendor at the fruits stand, told TIMES that durian prices may reach P280 and up to P400.
Puyat and Diwalwal, the top-selling varieties, are the most expensive of the bunch while montong and native fetch about P150-200 per kilo.
“Pag Kadayawan na, mas momahal pa na,” another vendor, Rogie Igancio, said.
As for mangosteen, the price ranges from P150 to P180 but is expected to go up to P250 per kilo once the festival starts.
On the other hand, Bankerohan Public Market vendors are selling durian and mangosteen at a much lower cost.
For instance, durian ranges from P150 to P180 this week, which is expected to stay the same even if the festival starts.
“Paghuman na ug Kadayawan magbaba (the price). Pero mas nibaba karon ang presyo kay daghan man ug supply,” Bankerohan Public Market vendor Elsie Zamora said.
The prices for other fruits like mangosteen ranged from P120 to P150 last week and have dropped to P70-80 this week.
For rambutan and lansones, vendors collectively sell the fruits at P120 to P150, depending on the appearance and quality of fruits.
BY KEISHA PEARL E. LABRADA, JESSA MAE M. BANSALAN, JESSIE MAE APLAON, RAÑEL P. FUENTES, REFHAEL ETEK
