Expect price fluctuations in pork products following ban — MOD

The Cebu City Market Operations Division (MOD) has warned pork consumers on the fluctuating prices of the commodity due to a decrease in supply. | CDN Digital file photo

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The ban on pork products from Eastern Visayas will slightly affect the price of pork in Cebu City.

This was the statement of Market Operations Division (MOD) head, Irvin Cabales, for the newly released order of Mayor Edgardo Labella banning pork products from the said region.

The mayor also has a standing order to ban all pork products from areas affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF).

Cabales said that there will be a slight decrease in supply, but it will not be significant as the Cebu Provincial government recently banned the export of hogs and pork outside Cebu to prevent a shortage in the island.

“Recently nakakita na tag fluctuations sa price. Gahapon niabot nag P285 per kilo ang ubang parts, karon ninaog siya to P270. Expect gyod tag saka-naog kay naay changes sa supply,” said Cabales.

Expecting a decreased supply, the City Agriculture Department and the MOD are planning to meet all hog raisers in the city to discuss any shortage of supply from the city’s own suppliers.

There are not many hog suppliers based in Cebu City since it is mostly urbanized, but the city government wants to ensure that they are supported amid the ASF threat.

The MOD is still getting the updated number of hog raisers in the city.

Cabales said they hope to identify the problems being faced by hog raisers in the city amid the threat of ASF including the source of feeds, supply chain, and health of the hogs.

The MOD is also hoping to forecast the trend of supply to foresee the rise and fall of market prices.

For now, the market supply is steady although the price has risen in the past two weeks, Cabales said, adding that this is expected with the decrease in supply. /rcg