DVMF: Imported meat downs local pork by 40%

CEBU, Philippines – City veterinarian Alice Utlang yesterday said the entry of imported meat products has greatly affected the local livestock industry.

"They are competing with our local products. Initially, 40 percent ang pag-down sa mga baboy tungod sa entrada sa mga imported meats," Utlang said, adding that the swine industry is already beginning to feel the burden and investment losses.

Utlang said the national government should control the entry of imported meat into the country.

The swine industry generates over P90 billion commodity value per year, second to rice as top agricultural product. The swine industry has become the leading sector in the agricultural industry of the Philippines.

In fact, majority of the yellow corn farmers are entirely dependent on the swine and poultry industry as its main market.

According to Utlang, the increasing importation of meat products comes from United States, Canada and Brazil.

She said that compared to the local ones, the imported meat products have lower prices with the difference of as much as P20. For example, she added that if the local meat is sold in the market for P170, the imported meat is sold for only P150.

"Siguro barato ilang baligya tungod kay meats from other countries are subsidized by their government," Utlang said.

Meanwhile, the city veterinarian said the city continues monitoring vendors in the markets whether they are selling double-dead or "botcha" meat.

"Sa pagkakaron wala man hinuon ta'y na-monitor nga hotmeat. Ma-holiday or dili, ang atong monitoring padayon man," Utlang said, as she urged the consumers to make sure that the meat they are buying has been inspected by the proper authorities like the National Meat Inspection Service. (FREEMAN)