By Stephanie Sevillano
MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday announced it will no longer push through with the planned maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for pork and chicken in September, citing declining retail prices in 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.
“So, magandang balita iyon. Hindi naman kami magsi-set ng MSRP muna dahil na-tame naman na ‘yung (That’s good news. We will not set an MSRP yet because prices have stabilized),” he said in an ambush interview.
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.
“When we started, the peak was PHP450. Ngayon, PHP370, so PHP80 less iyon (Now it’s PHP370, which is PHP80 lower),” he said, referring to pork liempo (belly).
Pork kasim and pigue are at PHP330 per kg., while chicken, once priced at PHP220, is now down to PHP165 per kg.
Egg prices also remain stable at PHP7 to PHP9 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 Aug. 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. (PNA)
