The price of pork in Metro Manila markets has not been lowered since the price cap expired on April 8.
But rumors in the markets are that there is an imminent increase in pork prices in the coming weeks, which they say could reach P500 per kilo.
“May nagsabi sa amin na supplier, kasi ‘yong baboy namin nangaggaling Visayas, tawid-dagat siya. Mayroon daw possibility na umabot ng P500 ‘yong price ng per kilo,” said vendor Mike Orozco.
But according to the Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines (ProPork), the price of pork would only reach P450.
“By June, babaha ng imported na karne ng baboy at ‘yan na ang umpisa ng aming pagbagsak o pagkalugi,” said ProPork Vice President Nicanor Briones.
Despite the increase in the price of fresh meat, retailers are hesitant to switch to selling imported, with a suggested retail price (SRP) of P270 per kilo for kasim and P350 per kilo for liempo.
“Mahirap din magbenta ngayon kung wala ka masyadong customer,” said vendor Elizabeth Espino.
“Ayaw naman din ng mga customer ng imported gusto talaga nila sariwa,” she added.
Price of pork can reach P450-P500 per kilo
But it is not only the pig farmers who are affected because the Philippine Maize Federation (PhilMaize) says that they will also lose a lot when the pig farmers withdraw.
The biggest allocation for corn production is feeds for animals such as pigs.
“More or less 500,000 farmers na dependent on corn talagang matatamaan,” said PhilMaize President Roger Navarro.
“Ang ibang farmer, sabi nila, magshi-shift muna sila parang temporarily to other crops. Siyempre ‘yong mga other crops na ‘yon, hindi naman ganoon ang volume,” said Navarro.
So ProPork, PhilMaize, and other agricultural groups called on Duterte to revoke the executive order lowering the tariff on imported pork.
It will be recalled that the price cap on the price of pork and poultry was extended until April 8 in the face of its price hike.
At the price ceiling, the price of pork is P270 to P300, depending on its part, while the price of each kilo of chicken should be P160.