Duterte OKs move to hike MAV for pork

MANILA, Philippines — To stabilize the supply of pork in the country, President Duterte approved on Friday the recommendation to increase the minimum access volume (MAV) for pork by 350,000 metric tons.

According to presidential spokesman Harry Roque, the President sent a letter to Congress for his decision that would in effect raise the country’s MAV or in-quota for pork from 54,210 metric tons this year.

“The Palace confirms that President Duterte recommended the increase in the Minimum Access Volume (MAV) for pork by 350,000 MT, in addition to the current MAV of 54,210 MT for the year 2021,” Roque said.

He said the move is aimed at addressing the skyrocketing prices of pork in the market, which is an added burden to consumers already saddled by difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The African swine fever outbreak last year has adversely affected the supply of pork in the country.

“This is to immediately augment the supply of pork, stabilize increasing prices and address the pressing issues on food security,” Roque said.

The President may propose revisions or adjustments in the MAV to Congress under the authority vested upon him under Section 6 of Republic Act 8178 of the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.