Philippines to hold off price cap on pork, chicken in September as retail costs continue to drop
Agriculture department says market prices for pork and chicken are already falling
PHILIPPINES – The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) has decided against imposing a suggested retail price ceiling on pork and chicken this September, pointing to the continuing decline in market prices.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced the decision during a joint inspection of the Agora Market in Navotas City together with officials from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
According to Tiu Laurel, retail prices of pork and chicken have eased in recent weeks, reducing the need for an official price cap.
He noted that pork belly, which previously reached higher levels, is now at about US$6.48 (₱370), a reduction of roughly US$1.40 (₱80).
Other pork cuts such as kasim and pigue are selling at US$5.78 (₱330) per kilogram, while chicken prices have dropped from US$2.85 (₱220) to around US$2.89 (₱165) per kilogram.
Egg prices have remained steady, ranging from US$0.12 (₱7) to US$0.16 (₱9) each, according to the agriculture secretary.
Factors behind the decline
The DA attributes the lower costs to increased domestic chicken output, consistent volumes of imported pork, and early sales by some hog producers anticipating disease risks during the rainy season.
Tiu Laurel explained that farmers often sell off their hogs ahead of possible outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF), which tends to spread more during flooding and heavy rains.
At the same time, the Food and Drug Administration has not yet given clearance for commercial use of ASF AVAC live vaccines.
ASF situation and government measures
As of August 7, the Bureau of Animal Industry reported active ASF cases in 51 barangays across the country, reflecting continuing risks in the livestock sector.
The agriculture department said it is continuing vaccination drives while also maintaining border controls to contain the disease and protect supplies.
By holding back on the price ceiling, officials say they will continue to monitor market trends to determine if further interventions are needed in the coming months.
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