Holy Week sees no relief in pork prices
(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
Pork prices in local markets remain high despite the start of Holy week, exceeding the government-mandated suggested retail price.
According to Department of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Secretary Genevive Guevarra, current market prices are still up to P60 higher per kilo than the SRP.
She made the statement following a market monitoring inspection conducted by the DA in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The inspection aimed to ensure that vendors are complying with the set SRP.
Early March, DA announced an MSRP of P380 per kilo for liempo, P350 per kilo for kasim and pigue, and P300 per kilo for "sabit ulo," the prices at which traders sell pork to retailers.
The DA also renewed its call for retailers to align their prices with government guidelines, noting that delivery costs for pork products have already decreased.