Philippine pork prices remain high

The prices of pork products and basic commodities in Metro Manila markets remain high and stable, respectively, according to the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS).

Based on its latest monitor, the price of pork ham is still at PHP180 (US$4.01) per kilogramme, while pork belly or liempo is still being sold at PHP190 (US$4.23) per kilogramme.

The high prices of pork products are one of the major reasons being cited by the government behind its decision to import as much as 5,000 tonnes of pork. The imported pork products will arrive by June.

Earlier, hog raisers led by the National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. assured that there will be enough pork supply by July and that pork will become more affordable.