A group of pig farmers appealed to the government this Monday to raise the price cap on pork so that they do not lose business.
In an interview with TeleRadyo, the National Federation of Hog Farmers asked for the price of pork to be P330 to P360.
“On our part, as a private sector, stakeholder, hindi naman kami agree dun. Napakamahal naman talaga ng P400 to P450,” said Chester Warren Yeo Tan, group president.
“Although napirmahan na, nakikiusap pa rin kami na baka puwede mag-meet tayo halfway, na P330 to P360, para naman po hindi mabigla itong nasa wet market, itong mga producers natin sa pag-aadjust ng presyo. Wiling naman tayong mag-adjust do’n sa presyo. Huwag lang pong masyadong bigla,” he added.
Last week, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the implementation of a price ceiling on pork and poultry in Metro Manila.
Under Executive Order 124, there is a price cap of P270 per kilo of kasim and pigue, P300 per kilo of liempo, and P160 per kilo of chicken.
The order, which became effective this Monday, will last for 2 months.
Also read: Vendors who went on ‘pork holiday’ urged to resume selling
Pig farmers appeal to increase price cap
Due to the government’s imposition of a price ceiling on pork and chicken, many vendors allegedly did not sell today.
“Nakita po natin ngayong araw na marami pong lugar na walang nagtitinda. Hindi lang dito sa baboy, pati sa manok dahil dito sa price cap,” said Tan.
Due to the threat of African swine fever and the implementation of the price ceiling, the sale and care of pigs have become a “high-risk business.”
“Sa ngayon po, we consider this industry a high-risk business. Wala pong gustong pumasok dito sa industriya,” said Tan.
“Kaya dinagdgan namin ng konti ‘yong risk cost ng 30 to 45 percent para po hindi ma-discourage ang ating producer na magparami at huwag umalis sa negosyo.”
According to Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) chairman Rosendo So, suppliers will only sell elsewhere, with sales still high and not covered by the price cap. As a result, Metro Manila will lose its supply.