March 8, 2024

No justification for higher pork prices in Visayas and Mindanao, Philippines, according to farmers' group

The increase of retail pork prices in the Visayas and Mindanao, the Philippines, should not happen given that the prevailing live weight is only ₱180 (US$3.21) per kilo.

This is according to farmers' group Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) as its chairman, Rosendo So, responded to complaints from consumers that the retail price of pork in those regions has reached ₱400 (US$7.14) per kilo, Philstar reported. Instead, the retail price of pork shoulder should be ₱280 per kilo, So said during a radio interview.

He also called upon the Philippines' Department of Agriculture (DA) to investigate the recent price increases in the Visayas and Mindanao. "It should not be higher compared to Luzon," he opined.

The live weight price of pork in Luzon is now higher at ₱195 (US$3.48) per kilo amid the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF), So noted. The retail price of pork shoulder in the region should be between ₱290 (US$5.18) and ₱300 (US$5.36) and pork belly at ₱340 (US$6.07) per kilo,

Based on monitoring of the DA in Metro Manila markets, the retail price of pork shoulder reached as high as ₱370 (US$6.61) and pork belly at ₱410 (US$7.32) per kilo.

So assuaged public concerns, pointing to an adequate pork supply and efforts by farmers to repopulate pig numbers following ASF outbreaks.

He added that pork supply in Metro Manila comes from Bulacan, Pangasinan, Ilocos, Southern Luzon, Rizal and Batangas.

"The good news is many were able to repopulate here in Luzon so we are not too dependent on the supply from Visayas and Mindanao compared to 2020; we are recovering," So said.

- Philstar