Pork supply from GenSan arrives in Metro Manila

The supply of pork promised by the Department of Agriculture has arrived in some markets in Metro Manila in the face of the high price of meat allegedly caused by its shortage in Luzon.

In Quinta Market, many vendors are also selling because there are stocks coming compared to the past few days.

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But some stalls are still closed. It will be recalled that some vendors went on a pork holiday or decided not to sell for now due to the government’s designated price ceiling.

Some pork stalls at the Commonwealth Market in Manila have also resumed selling.

The pigs promised by the Department of Agriculture are from General Santos City.

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But vendors say only 20 pigs came and only a few places got them.

“Walong piraso, ma’am. Dapat sana mas marami sa walo. Mga 15 piraso po. Baka ngayon meron, baka bukas wala, kaya po sana naman araw-araw magbigay ‘yung Department of Agriculture,” said Dennis Perilla, pork vendor.

Pork supply from GenSan arrives in Metro Manila

As many as 7,000 pigs arrived on Tuesday, according to the DA, and each market will receive more in the coming days.

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“Madadagdagan ‘yan, pati ng imported meat. Buong Mindanao, they have committed 10,000 a week, surplus production ‘yan. ‘Yun pong South Cotabato SOCOSPA (South Cotabato Swine Producers Association) is producing hogs excess for Metro Manila and Luzon markets,” said Agriculture Assistant Secretary Noel Reyes.

Meanwhile, the DA will also put the suggested retail price on imported frozen meat and place it on the sellers of the label.

“Kung imported ito, at mas mura na naipasok dito, ay sigurado dapat ang presyo rin nila mas mababa. Pinag-uusapan din ngayon sa Tariff Commission ang pag-consider ng pagbaba po ng taripa para mas mapamura pa ‘yung imported at makahabol sa supply sa demand,” said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.

The National Meat Inspection Service also reminded the vendors the frozen meat should not be returned to the freezer once it was defrosted.

“Siyempre ma-contaminate na ‘yung karne, so puwedeng mag-cause ‘yun ng food poisoning sa tao. I-maintain mo doon sa refrigeration facilities,” said NMIS Spokesperson Orly Ongsotto.