Pork price hits P400 per kilo in several Metro Manila markets

The prices of pork in several Metro Manila markets have once again gone up, according to a report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday.

In Trabajo Market in Sampaloc, Manila and Acacia Market in Malabon, a kilo of liempo now costs P400.

In Blumentritt Market, a kilo of liempo costs P380, while kasim and pigue were at P360 per kilo.

According to the Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines, the prices of pork may even go higher in the coming days.

“Natatakot na magdagdag ng alaga or maaaring magbawas ang ating mga magbababoy, lalo na ‘yong mga backyard raisers [Hog raisers in the country are now scared to raise more pigs],” PPFP vice president Nicanor Briones said.

“Sigurado lalong magkukulang ang baboy at siguradong tataas pa ang ating presyo ng baboy at aabot ‘yan between P410 to P430 [Prices of pork will surely go higher. It may reach P410 to P430],” he added.

Further, farmers group Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) said pork prices now should not reach P400 because the farm gate price is at P230.

SINAG said pork prices should only range from P340 to P350.

“Dapat ngayon, wala kaming makitang rason na dapat tumaas ‘yong presyo kasi ‘yong farm gate price, mababa pa naman. Hindi naman tumaas ng P300 ang farmgate para magbenta ng P400,” SINAG chairman Rosendo So said.

(There is no reason for the price hike because the farm gate price is still low. Farmgate prices have not gone up to P300 so there's no reason to sell pork at P400.) -Ma. Angelica Garcia/MDM, GMA News