Pork prices fall after price cap imposed
(FILE PHOTO) A meat vendor chops a pork belly upon order on 18 August, 2024. The spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the Philippines has led to panic among hog raisers, prompting some to sell infected pigs to traders, further worsening the situation. The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) has intercepted several trucks carrying pigs from ASF-hit areas, and the Department of Agriculture (DA) suspects that these traders are a major source of the virus's spread. The government is set to start vaccinating pigs soon to control the outbreak, though concerns remain about the limited availability and effectiveness of vaccines. If the situation deteriorates, the government may consider importing pigs to address potential shortages.
YUMMIE DINGDING
The price of pork in many markets across Metro Manila has gradually decreased nearly two weeks after the implementation of the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP), according to Department of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa.
On 10 March, the DA imposed an MSRP on pork sold in wet markets within the National Capital Region (NCR) in an effort to bring prices down.
The agency set the MSRP at P350 per kilogram for kasim and pigue, while liempo was capped at P380 per kilogram.
However, some markets continue to sell pork at prices exceeding P400 per kilogram.
The DA is now reviewing the cost structure of pork — examining expenses and pricing in other parts of the country.
According to De Mesa, this is to determine whether the implementation of an MSRP on pork is also necessary in other areas across the country.
As of now, the policy is only being enforced in Metro Manila.