Navotas city: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced that it will not impose a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for pork and chicken this September, as the market has seen a decline in retail costs. This decision was made during a joint market inspection by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) at the Agora Market in Navotas City.

According to Philippines News Agency, Secretary Tiu Laurel stated in an ambush interview that the decision comes as a result of stabilized prices in the local markets. "That's good news. We will not set an MSRP yet because prices have stabilized," he said. The joint visit revealed a significant drop in pork and chicken retail prices, with current market prices falling well below their peak levels.

Pork liempo, previously priced at PHP450, is now available at PHP370, marking an PHP80 decrease. Similarly, pork kasim and pigue have seen price reductions to PHP330 per kilogram. Chicken prices have also dropped from PHP220 to PHP165 per kilogram. In addition, egg prices have remained stable, ranging from PHP7 to PHP9 apiece.

The decline in prices is attributed to strong local chicken production, a steady supply of imported pork, and strategic moves by some producers to sell local pork early in anticipation of a possible resurgence of African swine fever (ASF) during the rainy season. "It's market-driven. During floods and heavy rains, ASF normally emerges. This is a preemptive strategy to sell before being affected," Tiu Laurel explained. He also noted that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to grant commercial authorization for ASF AVAC live vaccines.

As of August 7, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) reported that 51 barangays across the nation are dealing with active ASF cases. The DA continues to lead government vaccination initiatives and enforce strict border controls to manage the disease.