Dumaguete: The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) in Negros Oriental is appealing to hog suppliers to sell their animals in this provincial capital to bring down the prices of pork, an official said Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Jaymar Vilos, PVO information officer-designate, reported that pork in Dumaguete is being sold at PHP400 or more per kilogram for lean meat. This price is significantly higher compared to the PHP320 to PHP380 per kilogram in other areas. Vilos explained that hog suppliers from northern towns of Negros Oriental often choose to sell their animals to Cebu City, where the buying price for live pigs is more attractive.

As a result, local traders in Dumaguete are compelled to match the competitive prices offered by Cebu counterparts, which contributes to the elevated pork prices in the city. The increased cost of hogs has also led to a rise in prices for lechon, a popular roasted whole pig dish.

Vilos noted that the PVO lacks regulatory authority over the hog industry, which allows suppliers the freedom to sell their animals wherever they choose. To address the issue, the PVO is recommending the activation of the Provincial Price Monitoring Council to investigate and potentially mitigate the problem.