February 20, 2024

Egg supply in Western Visayas, Philippines, not experiencing glut, agriculture department states

The egg supply of Western Visayas, the Philippines, is well-balanced with consumption needs, according to the country's Department of Agriculture (DA), dismissing concerns of an oversupply.

Although exact figures on egg production in the region are not available, market analysis and discussions with local traders revealed that some are still procuring eggs from Luzon and Cebu to fulfil local demand.

"We are just about right with our supplies, even though we have to bring in additional stocks from Cebu and Luzon. Our own production falls short," said Maria Teresa Solis, the chief of DA Region 6's Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division.

Iloilo province, with its numerous poultry farms, along with other areas in the region, occasionally cannot meet local demand, prompting some traders to source eggs from elsewhere in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, DA-6's price monitoring has indicated a minor decrease in egg prices by ₱0.50. The price for medium-sized eggs has declined from ₱9.50 in December to ₱9 (US$0.16) in January and February 2024. This price drop is linked to reduced demand during the less festive months of January and February, in contrast to December, which is marked by Christmas and New Year celebrations and higher egg consumption for baking purposes.

Additionally, field checks in Iloilo City's local markets confirmed the downward trend in egg prices, which vendors attribute to a decrease in consumer purchases.

To address the surplus in egg production that has led to reduced farm-gate prices, down to as low as ₱4 (US$0.07) each, the DA is working with other agencies to boost egg consumption. The initiative aims to highlight eggs as a cost-effective protein source and involves collaborations with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the National Nutrition Council.

- PN