CHOICE CUTS A stall selling pork at Commonwealth Market in Quezon City—Grig C. Montegrande
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has put a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) of P350 per kilo for pork shoulder (kasim) and P380 per kilo for pork belly effective March 10 to curb rising retail prices.
“The new pricing initiative considers the ongoing challenges facing the pork industry, particularly the lingering effects of African Swine Fever (ASF),” the DA said in a statement on Thursday.
It also sets the MSRP of P300 per kg for for “sabit ulo” or the price at which traders pass pork to retailers.
However, the new MSRP excludes pork sold at so-called “modern markets” such as supermarkets and hypermarkets given their higher operating costs.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the DA had issued the MSRP for pork after consulting industry players—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,” Tiu Laurel said.