Lechon Prices in La Loma Surge by 30% Ahead of Christmas

Prices for lechon, a Filipino holiday staple, have risen sharply in La Loma, Quezon City, with vendors anticipating further increases as Christmas approaches.

Current Lechon Prices

• 6 to 7 kilos: ₱10,000 (up from ₱7,500, a 33% increase)
• 8 to 9 kilos: ₱11,000 (up from ₱8,500, a 29.4% increase)
• 10 to 11 kilos: ₱13,000 (up from ₱10,000, a 30% increase)

Vendors are managing up to 20 reservations daily and expect additional price hikes later this month.

“Meron po kami reservation until [December] 15 and then [December] 16 naman po, bago uli ang price hanggang [December 31]. Nagbabago po ang presyo ng baboy kasi depende po ‘yan sa dating ng baboy,” said Aries Zuniga, a lechon vendor, explaining that pork supply impacts the costs.

(We have reservations until December 15, and prices will adjust again from December 16 to December 31. Prices depend on the shipment of pigs.)

Ham Prices Stable

While lechon prices are climbing, ham prices in Quiapo, Manila, remain steady for now:

• Bone-in ham: ₱1,860 per kilogram
• Deboned ham: ₱1,760 per kilogram
• Pineapple sweet ham: ₱1,360 per kilogram
• Scrap ham: ₱1,720 per kilogram

Noche Buena Price Overview

According to Trade Secretary Maria Cristina Roque, over half of traditional noche buena items have retained their prices from last year, while less than 5% have seen minor increases.

“More than 50% had the same prices last year, meaning no price increase… Some increased, but less than 5%,” Roque said.

As holiday preparations ramp up, consumers are encouraged to shop early to secure their festive essentials at current prices.