Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has earmarked approximately PHP1.6 billion to implement strategies to counter the surge in retail pork prices, as confirmed by Malaca±ang. This initiative is part of the government's broader plan to stabilize pork prices in the country.

According to Philippines News Agency, the budget will be utilized to acquire 13,000 finishers and 30,000 breeders as part of the Hog Repopulation Program. Claire Castro, the Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer, emphasized that the DA's goal is to produce one million finishers while awaiting the availability of vaccines against African swine fever (ASF).

Castro stated, "The DA is responding, and there is a program regarding the Hog Repopulation Program and the rollout of the ASF vaccine." She highlighted that these efforts are among the various activities the DA will undertake to mitigate the current increase in pork prices.

The DA's initiatives align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to make basic commodities more affordable for consumers. Previously, the DA had announced plans to restore the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for pork to aid consumers amidst rising prices.

In response to stakeholders' requests on May 15, the DA lifted the pork MSRP, setting prices at PHP380 per kg for "liempo" (belly), PHP350 per kg for "kasim" (ham) and pigue, and PHP300 per kg for "sabit-ulo." As of May 28, the retail price of pork ham in Metro Manila ranged between PHP350 per kg and PHP430 per kg, while pork belly ranged between PHP370 per kg and PHP480 per kg, as per the DA-Bantay Presyo.