THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it will investigate why pork prices have risen despite sufficient supplies.
Based on DA’s Bantay Presyo, pork prices range from P380 to 420 per kilo in several wet markets in Metro Manila up from P360 to P400 in the past months.
“We have enough supply, tapos mababa ang presyo. Meron kasing traders na nagte-take advantage eh,” said Agriculture Undersecretary Deogracias Savellano.
Savellano meanwhile also reassured hog raisers that the testing for the vaccine for African Swine Fever (ASF) is nearing its end.
“Nasa third phase of trial na,” he said.
Asked if vaccines will be available by the end of 2024, Savellano said this is possible.
“Tingin ko kaya naman. May pondo naman ang gobyerno. Pag-aaralan pa natin IRR [implementing rules and regulations] noon. Kailangan matulungan mga ‘yon,” he said.
The mechanics of a vaccine rollout have yet to be announced, but he said the DA will assist small-time hog raisers.
ASF has adversely affected hog raisers all over the country in the past years. (ABS-CBN News)
