November 9, 2004

Pork to Cost More in the Philippines

Pork prices are expected to increase in the Philippines this coming Christmas.

A tight supply of pork is seen in the coming holidays, and pork prices could rise to P130 to P140 a kilo, according to Sen. Mar Roxas on Monday.

The price of chicken will be stable at P95 to P100 a kilo, and will increase by a minimal P10, he said.

Roxas suggested that consumers buy chicken and fish instead, as importing pork from other countries is more expensive.

"It takes at least 18 months to raise a pig to fill up the tight supply of pork. You might as well choose fish and chicken. They are also healthier," stated Roxas.

Prices of corn, wheat and rice would be stable, he added.

The United Broilers Raisers Association and the Philippine Broilers Integrators assured Roxas that chicken would remain at P110 a kilo.

Roxas had pointed out that he would not allow a repeat of last year's Christmas season, when prices of chicken surged to P140 to P150 a kilo.