Festive Season Sees a Surge in Lechon and Ham Prices in the Philippines

Filipinos preparing for their Christmas celebrations are facing a spike in the prices of festive staples, lechon and ham. The renowned lechon hub of La Loma in Metro Manila has seen the cost for a serving for 15 people rise to P7,500, up from P6,000, driven by high demand and increased supplier prices. This price hike is not deterring customers who view lechon as a symbol of prosperity in their Noche Buena feasts. The larger lechon varieties now cost as much as P25,500, but sellers often include complimentary traditional dishes.

Similarly, ham prices have risen by approximately seven percent. In Quiapo, Manila, a kilo of Chinese ham now costs P1,880, while scrap ham is priced at P1,640 per kilo. Despite the increased costs, long lines of buyers are evident, indicating the importance of these foods in Filipino Christmas traditions.

This price increase reflects broader economic trends and consumer behavior in the Philippines during the holiday season, highlighting the cultural significance of these dishes in Filipino festivities.