June 15, 2020

Philippines voices assurance to keep pork prices under control

The office of Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has assured the country that the administration will keep pork prices from rising due to tight supply induced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The president's spokesman, Harry Roque said that Agriculture Secretary William Dar assured there is adequate supply of pork in the local market. One way to control prices is to import pork, according to Roque.

"We are already (implementing) some measures. I'm sure if we need to import pork so we can keep the price low, we will do that," he said.

The Philippines could see a shortage in pork during the final quarter of 2020, based on Duterte's sixth weekly report to Congress. The report from the Department of Agriculture (DA) was based on a projected total annual demand of 1,203,827 tonnes of pork and a projected supply of 1,118,101 tonnes.

As for corn and chicken supplies in 2020, the report stated that supplies will be sufficient for the whole year based on projected demands and supply outlooks.

- Manila Bulletin