BY: ANGELICA ARQUERO

Two months after pork prices soared across the country, many consumers are still hoping for a price drop. However, the Department of Agriculture has assured that pork prices will decrease this March.

Early in the morning, Vick, a local shopper, went to the market to buy food for the day but was dismayed by the high price of pork.

At the Baguio City Public Market, pork prices have reached 420 pesos per kilo.

“It’s a huge burden. With transportation costs and school expenses, I used to buy three kilos, but now I can only afford one,” Vick said.

Due to the rising costs, Linda Ara, a small eatery owner, has been forced to reduce portion sizes to balance her budget.

“We have to cut down on servings just to recover what we spent and make even a small profit,” she explained.

Market vendors are also feeling the impact as fewer customers buy pork.

“People who used to buy five kilos now only get one. Sales have dropped because of the high prices,” said Susan Tiodoro, a pork vendor.

According to the Department of Agriculture – Cordillera, as of March 10, pork chop and kasim range from 350 pesos to 380 pesos per kilo, while liempo costs between 380 pesos and 420 pesos per kilo.

To address the issue, the government has imposed a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for pork in Metro Manila markets—350 pesos per kilo for kasim and pork chop and 380 pesos for liempo.

Consumers in Baguio are now calling for the same price cap in their city.

“They should apply the same policy in Baguio to bring prices down,” Vick said.

The Agriculture Department attributed the price surge to increased pork demand during the holiday season and the ongoing effects of African Swine Fever (ASF) on supply.

Meanwhile, Malacañang assured the public that pork prices are expected to drop this March.

“After Metro Manila markets followed the MSRP, the DA now plans to reduce pork prices in supermarkets as well,” said Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro.