The supply of chicken in Pangasinan remains stable despite the rising demand as Christmas approaches.
The demand for chicken reportedly rose as prices of pork and fish increased.
"Medyo lumaki ang demand dahil tumaas ang presyo ng fish, tumaas din ng kaunti ang presyo ng pork, so pinakamura ang chicken sa ngayon," Engr. Rosendo So, Chairman of Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG), said.
But SINAG said fresh and imported chicken meat are readily available.
SINAG’s monitoring shows that the liveweight fee for chickens has increased, which is common during the holiday season.
Prices have gone up to P200 to P220 per kilo in Pangasinan markets, previously around P180-P190 per kilo.
At the Dagupan City Malimgas Public Market, supply remains sufficient despite temporary shortages. Vendors are experiencing delays in deliveries, causing fluctuations in prices.
"Wala talagang manok kahapon, as in wala, kaya wala kaming natinda," Bambie Alvendia, a chicken vendor, said.
Several vendors confirmed the recent scarcity of chicken supply, attributing the same to the instability in prices.
"Kakaunti ang dumarating talaga, mataas ang presyo ngayon," Bambie Alvendia, another vendor, added.
To cope with the rising prices and limited supply, some customers are opting to buy from trusted sellers who offer discounts.
"Kailangan din kasi ang manok, ulam namin ito, kaya kung sa suki may discount or may dagdag," Fred Munoz, a frequent buyer, said.