‘Chicken, pork supply in Metro Manila sufficient’

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Agriculture (DA) yesterday assured the public that the supply of chicken and pork in Metro Manila markets would remain sufficient even after the holidays.

“We can expect abundant supply before the year ends, and more in the first quarter of next year as the demand decreases,” Jose Reaño, DA Undersecretary for Livestock, said.

He said prices of chicken and pork should not increase during the holiday season.

Reaño said most retailers sell chicken and pork at the prescribed prices.

He added some even sell chicken below the suggested retail price of P135, particularly in public markets.

The price of pork belly, however, increased from P185 per kilo to P200 per kilo due to higher demand and port congestion.

As of Dec. 23, prices of pork ham and pork shoulder reached P190 per kilo in major markets in the metropolis.

Reaño said some markets like Mega Q-Mart sell chicken at higher prices of P145 per kilo as store rentals remain high.

“The overwhelming supply, however, will eventually force them to lower their prices,” he said.

The current inventory of chicken as of Dec. 18 stood at 17.88 million kilos, higher than last year’s inventory of 12.7 million kilos.

“There is no reason for chicken prices to go over P135 for whole chicken but they can go higher on choice cuts. Pork has more than sufficient local production,” said Reaño.

He urged consumers to remind retailers that supply is abundant because of low gate price so there is no reason for them to increase prices.