Agriculture Department Lifts Pork Price Cap Amid Supply Shortage

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has officially removed the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for pork, responding to appeals from industry stakeholders facing mounting production challenges.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the move was prompted by persistent difficulties in keeping pork prices stable due to a sharp drop in swine supply caused by African Swine Fever (ASF) and heightened consumer demand.

“While producers made efforts to adhere to the price ceilings, the ongoing ASF outbreak and strong market demand made it unsustainable,” Laurel explained.

The DA had initially set the MSRPs at ₱380 per kilo for liempo, ₱350 for pigue and kasim, and ₱300 for sabit-ulo. However, with only 30% compliance since the policy took effect on March 10, the department is now shifting its strategy.

To help consumers manage food expenses, Laurel advised turning to frozen pork, which remains more affordable than freshly slaughtered meat, or considering alternative protein sources.

In the long term, the DA is waiting for FDA approval to roll out an ASF vaccine commercially. Once cleared, the agency plans to launch a national repopulation campaign aimed at restoring hog inventory from the current 8 million to its former 13 million level by 2028.

Laurel expressed optimism that the vaccine would be a game-changer in reviving domestic pork production and stabilizing market prices.