This Valentine's Day, the Cagayan Valley, Philippines, is embracing a new trend: bouquets made of freshly picked vegetables, coined as "veggie bouquets," to support local vegetable farmers. Dr. Rose Mary G. Aquino of the Department of Agriculture highlighted this initiative as a means to address the surplus harvests and prevent dumping of excess produce.
Launched three years ago, these unique arrangements aim to promote vegetable consumption and support farmers in remote areas by introducing vegetable bouquets in flower shops for various occasions. With prices ranging from P400 to P500, offerings include the 'pinakbet' and 'chopsuey' bouquets, blending ornamental beauty with nutritional value, encouraging a healthy lifestyle.