The Department of Agriculture (DA) will implement a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for pork in National Capital Region wet markets starting next week, aiming to ease the financial strain on consumers grappling with high meat prices.
The new pricing initiative considers the ongoing challenges facing the pork industry, particularly the lingering effects of African Swine Fever (ASF).
“Starting March 10, we will set an MSRP of P380 per kilo for liempo and P350 per kilo for kasim and pigue,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. “This decision was made after consultations with industry stakeholders—from producers to wholesalers, traders, and retailers. We believe the MSRP will help ensure the sustainability of the pork industry, which continues to suffer from ASF’s adverse effects.”
The DA will also be imposing an MSP of P300 per kilo for “sabit ulo” or the price at which traders pass pork to retailers.
The DA chief said the MSRP will be reviewed after one month to determine whether adjustments will have to be made.
However, pork sold in so-called “modern markets” such as supermarkets and hypermarkets will be exempt from the MSRP given their higher operating costs.
Undersecretary for Livestock Dante Palabrica added that industry groups have shown willingness to support the government’s efforts to make pork more affordable. “They’ve recognized that if prices stay above P400 per kilo, consumers may shift to imported pork or other protein sources like chicken and fish,” he explained.
Rosendo So, chairman of the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura, expressed support for the DA’s efforts. “We are doing our part to help alleviate the burdens of Filipino consumers,” he said.
ProProk president Rolando Tambago also affirmed the industry’s backing of the initiative, emphasizing that it is essential for the long-term stability of the pork industry.
Chester Warren Yeo Tan, chairman of the National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc., agreed that the MSRP will help stabilize pork prices, benefiting both consumers and the entire pork value chain, which continues to be challenged by ASF.
Representatives from Department of Trade and Industry and the Philippine National Police were also present during the consultation. ### (photo by DA-AFID)
