(Photo courtesy of PVO)
Negros Oriental is moving to standardize prices of hogs and pork across the province after different price limits imposed by local governments created uncertainty among producers, traders and consumers.
Provincial officials have ordered wider posting and stricter implementation of the price ceilings established under an executive order issued by Gov. Manuel Sagarbarria on Aug. 1. The measure covers live hogs, piglets and both locally produced and imported pork.
Vernon Lumbania, acting head of the Provincial Veterinary Office, said tarpaulins containing the official price limits will be installed in key locations so buyers and sellers can easily determine which rates should apply.
The move comes as some municipalities and cities adopted separate price restrictions following the detection of African swine fever in parts of Negros Oriental. These differing policies contributed to variations in prices across localities.
Some local price limits were introduced to help producers recover their investment after hog values dropped sharply in ASF-affected areas, according to Lumbania. The province, however, wants the existing provincial rules implemented consistently.
Authorities will also place the official price information at hog pooling sites, where animals are assembled before being shipped to other areas.
Compliance could affect a trader’s ability to transport livestock. Lumbania said repeated violations may lead authorities to revoke transportation certificates covering the animals.
Movement of hogs and pork from ASF-free areas remains permitted as long as the required clearances are secured from the Provincial Veterinary Office, Bureau of Animal Industry and other concerned authorities.
ASF infections, meanwhile, continue to surface in Negros Oriental. Veterinary officials are compiling the latest laboratory findings from collected blood samples to determine the province’s updated case count.