'Pork for all?' Agri dept eyes selling cheaper pork in Kadiwa sites

MANILA -- Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said on Monday the department will launch the pilot implementation of selling cheaper pork in select Kadiwa sites.

"Mag-deliver kami ng mga baboy sa mga selected pilot areas para magbenta ng baboy na ngayon sa palengke na P450 to P490 a liyempo, baka P350 to P380 lang. Para makatipid nga," Tiu Laurel said.

(We will deliver pork in selected pilot areas to sell pork at cheaper rates. If pork is at P450 to 490, we will sell it at P350 to P380.)

"Para every payday meron silang bigas, meron silang baboy at makaluwag naman kagad. So, tutuloy natin yun," the agricultural chief added.

(Every payday, they should have not just rice but also pork. That will help them, so we will go pursue that.)

Tiu Laurel said the local supply of pork remains short due to ASF, which has also raised its price.

They said the department is considering implementing a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported/frozen pork to temper prices in the market.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) first implemented the MSRP for pork in March, but pulled it in May following the request of industry players who struggled to comply with the price guidance due to the surge of African Swine Fever cases.

DA plans to restore maximum suggested retail price for pork