Pork prices in the Philippines remain elevated despite the enforcement of a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP), according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness, Marketing and Consumer Affairs Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra stated that during their market visits, they observed that pork was being sold at prices up to ₱60 higher per kilo than the MSRP.
For pork belly, the retail price ranges from ₱420 to ₱440 per kilo, while pork shoulder sells for ₱370 to ₱380 per kilo—clearly above the maximum SRP of ₱380 for belly and ₱360 for shoulder.
This is alarming, she said, especially since the farmgate price of pork remains at ₱250 to ₱255 per kilo.
The official made the observation amid intensified joint market monitoring operations conducted by the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry across Metro Manila, aimed at controlling excessive pricing and protecting consumers.
Meanwhile, during consultative meetings, hog raisers reportedly promised to maintain the farmgate price at a maximum of ₱230 per kilo to help place a cap on pork retail prices.
The DA official also urged retailers to align their prices with government guidelines, especially now that certain delivery costs have declined.