Amid rising pork prices in local markets, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced plans on Monday to make more affordable pork available to Filipinos through its Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) sites.
DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. clarified in a press conference that the intention is not to compete with retailers but to provide an alternative for consumers. “In a way, yes. Pero iyong balak namin (But our intention) is not to compete with the retailers,” he stated when asked if the cheaper pork will be accessible to all.
Tiu Laurel expressed optimism that this initiative will help alleviate inflationary pressures on pork prices, starting in the first week of August. “Hindi iyan pang minimum wage earners lang. It’s para sa lahat yan. Basta pumunta sila sa tindahan na iyon, makakabili sila. (It’s not only for minimum wage earners. It’s for all. Just go to our stalls, they can buy). While supplies last, of course,” he added.
He explained that the prices will be lower due to government intervention aimed at reducing logistics and middlemen costs. “Ang FTI (Food Terminal Inc.) diretso bibili sa farm, siya na rin magpapakatay at magdi-deliver sa outlet. So doon lang, meron ka na nakikita mga PHP50 pesos na pababa (The FTI will buy from the farm, it will be the one to slaughter and deliver to outlets. So from there, you can see around PHP50 lower price),” Tiu Laurel noted.
As of June 13, the DA-Bantay Presyo (Price Watch) reported that local pork ham prices remain high, ranging from PHP350 to PHP430 per kilogram, while pork belly is priced between PHP380 and PHP490 per kilogram. Frozen kasim is available at PHP230 to PHP300 per kilogram, and frozen liempo is priced at PHP290 to PHP350 per kilogram.
Tiu Laurel also mentioned that the sale of imported pork will be welcomed at KNP sites to support local sources. The cheaper pork will initially be available in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao, as well as in 38 KNP centers, public markets, and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-accredited establishments and organizations.