DA Drops September Pork, Chicken Price Cap as Market Costs Ease
MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced Friday that it will no longer implement a planned maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for pork and chicken in September, citing a steady decline in market prices.
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 won’t set an MSRP for now because prices have already stabilized,” Tiu Laurel said in an interview.
According to the DA and DTI, both pork and chicken prices have dropped significantly. Pork liempo, which previously peaked at PHP450 per kilo, is now at PHP370, while pork kasim and pigue are priced at PHP330 per kilo. Chicken, once at PHP220 per kilo, is now down to PHP165 per kilo. Egg prices also remain steady at PHP7 to PHP9 apiece.
The agriculture chief attributed the decline to robust local chicken production, a steady flow of imported pork, and proactive measures by some producers to sell their stock ahead of potential African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks 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 explained. He added that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to issue commercial authorization for ASF AVAC live vaccines.
As of Aug. 7, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) recorded 51 barangays nationwide with active ASF cases. The DA said it continues to implement government-led vaccination drives and enforce strict border controls to help contain the disease.
— NPO News Team | PN-PR
