Govt imposes MSRP for pork

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday implemented a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for pork in wet markets in the National Capital Region (NCR).

The MSRP is P380 per kilogram for liempo (pork sides) and P350 per kilogram for kasim (shoulder) and pigue (leg).

For "sabit ulo" or the price at which traders pass on pork to retailers, the MSRP is P300 per kilogram.

"This decision was made after consultations with industry stakeholders — from producers to wholesalers, traders and retailers. We believe the MSRP will help ensure the sustainability of the pork industry, which continues to suffer from ASF's adverse effects," Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said.

However, pork sold in supermarkets and other modern markets is exempt from the implementation of the MSRP.

The MSRP on pork will be reviewed after a month to assess if adjustments are necessary.

With the MSRP in place, the DA hopes to ease pork prices.

Last month, Deputy National Statistician Divina Gracia del Prado said the DA's efforts on stabilizing prices, especially of rice, contributed to the slower inflation in February.

She noted that the DA's implementation of an MSRP on imported rice significantly reduced the price of the commodity.

Del Prado added that an MSRP on pork could also have the same effect.

We expect that if an MSRP is implemented — and given all other things constant — it could slow down inflation on pork, even resulting in negative inflation," she said.

Undersecretary for Livestock Dante Palabrica said that pork industry players showed willingness to support the DA's efforts to lower the prices of pork. "They've recognized that if prices stay above P400 per kilo, consumers may shift to imported pork or other protein sources like chicken and fish."

National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. chairman Chester Warren Yeo Tan backed the initiative, saying the MSRP will be helpful in stabilizing pork prices not only for the welfare of consumers but of the pork industry as well.

Rolando Tambago, president of the Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines (ProPork), said that the measure is necessary for the stability of the pork industry.

Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura chairman Rosendo So also lauded the DA's efforts, saying they are also doing their part to help lessen the burdens of Filipino consumers.