September 1, 2025

  

Philippines: No price cap on pork and chicken in September amid falling market costs

 

 

The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) announced that it will no longer proceed with the planned maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for pork and chicken this September, citing the continued decline in retail prices across local markets.

 

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. made the statement during a joint market inspection with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) at the Agora Market in Navotas City.

 

"That's good news. We will not set an MSRP yet because prices have stabilized)," he said.

 

During the visit, both the DA and DTI reported significant drop in pork and chicken retail prices.

 

Tiu Laurel said current market prices are well below peak levels.

 

"Now it's ₱370 (US$6.48), which is ₱80 (US$1.40) lower," he said, referring to pork liempo (belly).

 

Pork kasim and pigue are at ₱330 (US$5.78) per kg., while chicken, once priced at ₱220 (US$2.85), is now down to ₱165 (US$2.89) per kg.

 

Egg prices also remain stable at ₱7 (US$0.12) to ₱9 (US$0.16) apiece, he added.

 

The agriculture chief attributed the decline to strong local chicken production, a steady supply of imported pork, and proactive moves by some producers to sell local pork early ahead of a possible resurgence of African swine fever (ASF) during the rainy season.

 

"It's market-driven. During floods and heavy rains, ASF normally emerges. This is a preemptive strategy to sell before being affected," he said, adding that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to issue a commercial authorization for ASF AVAC live vaccines.

 

As of August 7, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) recorded 51 barangays nationwide with active ASF cases.

 

The DA said it is continuing government-led vaccination initiatives and enforcing strict border controls to contain the disease.

 

-      Philippine News Agency