THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Wednesday that pork prices are expected to fall in the next few weeks, citing improving production and an industry commitment to reducing market prices.
In a briefing, Undersecretary Arnel V. de Mesa said pork producers, traders, and retailers have agreed to review their cost structures ahead of the imposition of a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for the commodity.
“Within March, there will be decreases in pork prices. There have been agreements among stakeholders in the hog industry that there should be a reduction in prices,” Mr. De Mesa said at a briefing.
He said farmgate prices of pork have fallen to as little as P214 per kilo from P250-260 last month.
“Now we’re seeing P220-230,” he said.
Malacañang has said certain cuts such as kasim (shoulder) and pigue (leg) could fall to between P350 to P360 per kilo by March 10, citing an update from Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr.
The prices of liempo (belly) could fall to P380 per kilo, it said.
Meanwhile, Mr. De Mesa said the pork MSRP will be implemented gradually.
Mr. Laurel has said the scheme will likely be implemented by March 10. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza