DA Seeks Transparency from Pork Retailers Amid Low Compliance with Suggested Prices

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is stepping up efforts to ensure pork retailers follow the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) guidelines after discovering that compliance remains low more than three weeks after implementation.

DA spokesperson Arnel de Mesa said only 39% of pork sellers are adhering to the set prices as of April. In response, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. is pushing for retailers to display supplier information—alongside the required National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) certificate—to identify those still selling at inflated rates.

The MSRP, implemented on March 10, is as follows:

• ₱300/kg for fresh carcass (sabit-ulo)

• ₱350/kg for kasim and pigue

• ₱380/kg for liempo

Despite this, DA monitoring found retail prices in Metro Manila still ranged from ₱340 to ₱400/kg for kasim and pigue, and ₱350 to ₱470/kg for liempo, especially in areas like Pritil, Trabajo, and Cartimar Markets.

Retailers have raised concerns about sustaining their businesses under the MSRP, saying they can’t profit from less popular cuts and need to offset losses through prime cuts like liempo and kasim. They also cite rising biosecurity costs due to ongoing threats like African Swine Fever.

De Mesa acknowledged the Secretary’s initial optimism around the pricing agreement, noting it was reached quickly but now faces significant implementation challenges. “Because issues have come up, we now need to find practical solutions,” he said.