ILOILO – Hog raisers across Iloilo are being squeezed by farmgate prices that have fallen below production costs, prompting the Leon municipal council to seek immediate provincial government intervention to protect thousands of backyard and commercial producers from further losses.
The Sangguniang Bayan of Leon passed a resolution urging the administration of Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. to introduce relief measures and market safeguards as raisers struggle with low live-weight prices, escalating operating expenses and the lingering financial impact of African swine fever (ASF).
Municipal council member Hilario “Larry” E. Taño, who filed the resolution, called on the Office of the Provincial Governor to roll out interventions benefiting hog producers in Leon and other parts of the province.
The measure warned that the local swine industry is facing severe economic distress because current farmgate prices prevent raisers from recovering their capital.
Data from the Leon Municipal Agriculture Office showed that, as of Aug. 6, live hogs weighing between 80 and 120 kilograms were selling for only P150 per kilogram.
Those weighing 70 to 79 kilograms fetched P145 per kilogram, while hogs weighing 60 to 69 kilograms were priced at P140 per kilogram.
The Iloilo Provincial Veterinary Office (OPVet), meanwhile, placed the province-wide average live-weight price at P150 per kilogram, with prevailing rates ranging from P130 to P180.
The resolution said the continued increase in the prices of commercial feeds, feed supplements and veterinary supplies has further eroded producers’ earnings.
Hog raisers are also shouldering the costs of rebuilding their operations after ASF outbreaks, complying with stricter biosecurity requirements and competing with suppliers from outside the province.
The council stressed that hog raising is a principal source of livelihood for thousands of Iloilo households. It said the provincial government has the institutional authority, local development funds and regulatory capacity to provide immediate assistance.
Leon officials expressed hope that the provincial executive branch would act swiftly to stabilize prices, extend critical relief and protect the long-term viability of Iloilo’s livestock industry.
The appeal comes as the province continues to recover from ASF.
As of July 16, nine Iloilo municipalities remained classified as ASF red zones or infected areas: Pototan, Mina, Dueñas, Balasan, Carles, San Dionisio, Badiangan, Maasin and Barotac Nuevo.
OPVet data also showed that 116,941 small farms and 10,395 semi-commercial farms had resumed hog raising.
Iloilo’s swine population stood at 127,336 heads as of July 2026./PN
