DA wants to import 10,000 MT of pork
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) plans to import up to 10,000 metric tons (MT) of pork to avoid increases in the commodity’s price ahead of the holiday season.
In an interview in Quezon City on Monday, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol said he was pushing to import this month, worried that the “ber” months—September, October, November, and December—may see supplies contract and consequently higher prices.
September is generally regarded as the start of the Philippines’ extended Christmas season, which ends in early January. Pork products, particularly ham, are among the most consumed in the period.
According to him, it takes 40 days before imported meat enters the country.
“If we allow the importation of about 10,000 MT of pork, then we expect that to stabilize the prices of pork in the market,” he said.
His remarks came ahead of a consultation with hog industry stakeholders on Friday to check on their market situation.
The DA will submit its plan to the Office of the President after stakeholders are consulted, Piñol said. Importing pork would only begin once the President and Congress approve it, he added.
The department is also eyeing fish and chicken imports to stabilize their prices.
It is now coordinating with the National Meat Inspection Service, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Bureau of Plant Industry, and Bureau of Animal Industry in preparing its importation plan, according to Piñol, who believes it would be able to seek congressional approval within a month.
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