August 30, 2024

 

Chicken prices in Metro Manila, Philippines, surge amid ASF fears

The retail price of chicken has risen sharply in Metro Manila, Philippines, reaching up to PHP 240 (US$4.27) per kg, as demand increases due to concerns over African swine fever (ASF), according to the country's Department of Agriculture (DA), The Philippine Star reported.

 

Recent price monitoring by the DA in Metro Manila markets shows that chicken prices range between PHP 180 (US$3.20) and PHP 240 (US$4.27) per kg. In contrast, the price of pork shoulder varies from PHP 280 (US$4.98) to PHP 370 (US$6.58) per kg, while pork belly ranges between PHP 305 (US$5.43) and PHP 400 (US$7.12) per kg.

 

Egg prices have also seen an increase, with prices reaching up to PHP 11 (US$0.20) per piece, depending on size.

 

Agriculture Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Arnel de Mesa assured the public that pork available in markets is safe for consumption, citing an advisory from the Department of Health.

 

"We advise our fellow citizens to look for the seal of the National Meat Inspection Service when buying all kinds of meat, whether in the market or grocery," De Mesa said.

 

He also advised against consuming raw meat, emphasising the importance of thorough cooking.

 

In response to the recent rise in ASF cases in other areas, the Quezon City government has urged owners of backyard swine farms within the city to voluntarily surrender their livestock to the local government.

 

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte announced that the city will compensate swine owners who voluntarily surrender their animals by August 31. This follows a 2020 city ordinance that banned swine farms and poultry farms for meat production, aligning with a resolution from the country's Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board, which prohibits such operations in highly urbanised cities.

 

Despite this policy, Mayor Belmonte noted that approximately 240 backyard swine farms, mostly located in Barangay Payatas, have been identified within the city.

 

After the deadline on August 31, 2024, the city will begin imposing fines on non-compliant swine owners.

 

Surrendered swine will undergo testing for ASF. Those that test positive will be culled in accordance with existing policies, while healthy swine will be handed over to the DA. The meat from healthy swine will be sold at Kadiwa Centres, according to Belmonte.

 

Amid the ASF surge in other regions, the Quezon City government reiterated that the city remains ASF-free. The city has established four livestock checkpoints to support the DA's Bureau of Animal Industry in efforts to curb the spread of the disease.

 

-      The Philippine Star