Pork Prices in NCR Surge to P480 per Kilo, Farmers Push for Price Cap

Pork prices in the National Capital Region (NCR) have skyrocketed to as much as P480 per kilo, prompting the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) to call on the Department of Agriculture (DA) to impose a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP).

According to the latest data from the DA, pork belly (liempo) prices range from P380 to P480 per kilo, while pork ham (kasim) sells for P340 to P420 per kilo in Metro Manila.

SINAG argued that these prices are excessively high compared to the farmgate price, which currently ranges from P220 to P240 per kilo. “From P220 to P240 ang farmgate price, so pinakamataas dapat nasa P380,” said SINAG chair Rosendo So, suggesting that retail prices should not exceed this threshold.

In contrast, pork prices in the provinces remain within acceptable ranges, with liempo priced at P380 to P400 and kasim at P350 to P360.

SINAG has urged the DA to consider setting an MSRP for pork in Metro Manila to address the soaring prices. “Nagkaroon kami ng usapan with the secretary na mag-set ng meeting para ma-check yung retail price dahil sobrang mataas yung P480. Siguro magkaroon ng set ang retail price doon sa merkado,” So added.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. acknowledged the concern and said the department is evaluating the situation. “Ngayon ko pa lang uupuan talaga yan to see the whole value chain kung saan napupunta yung margin na 100 to 150 pesos,” he stated.