THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Thursday that it will enforce a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) scheme for pork in Metro Manila wet markets starting next week, after a consultation with industry members.
The MSRP was set at P380 per kilo for liempo (belly) and at P350 per kilo for kasim (shoulder) and pigue (rear leg), Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said.
He added that pricing was arrived at following consultations with the pork industry.
He said the agency will also impose a cap of P300 per kilo for sabit ulo — the price at which traders sell pork to retailers.
However, pork sold in so-called “modern markets” such as supermarkets and hypermarkets are exempt from the MSRP scheme due to their higher operating costs.
He said the new pricing scheme considers the lingering effects of African Swine Fever (ASF).
“We believe the MSRP will help ensure the sustainability of the pork industry, which continues to suffer from ASF’s adverse effects.”
As of Feb. 14, 19 provinces in nine regions had active ASF cases, according to the Bureau of Animal Industry.
First detected in 2019, ASF has spread to 76 provinces, it said.
Mr. Laurel said the MSRP will be reviewed after one month to determine whether adjustments are needed.
Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura Chairman Rosendo So said the industry is doing its part to “alleviate the burdens of Filipino consumers.”
ProPork President Rolando Tambago and National Federation of Hog Farmers, Inc. Chairman Chester Warren Yeo Tan said the MSRP is essential for the long-term stability of the pork industry.
Representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry and the Philippine National Police were also present during the consultation. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza
