BACOLOD City – Consumers in Negros Occidental expressed concern over the recent hike in pork prices.
In this capital city, the price of pork surged to P350 to P360 per kilogram while the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) monitored the lowest price of pork in Sipalay City at P250 per kilogram.
Dr. Ryan Janoya of the PVO said they were expecting the price of pork to further surge as December approaches.
He, however, pointed out the recent price hike was not due to a shortage of supply, but attributed to competition with neighboring provinces.
Buyers from Panay Island are offering prices P20 to P30 higher in liveweight, necessitating local buyers to compete, Janoya said.
He added that the northern and southern parts of the province are currently sourcing pork supply from elsewhere because central Negros Occidental was previously affected by swine diseases.
Last week, the price of pork in some parts of the province was only P320 per kilogram. It was lower during late October and early November at P300 to P315 per kilogram, with the cheapest at P230.
The PVO is also expecting an increase in pork consumption next month due to the holiday season, although they have assured that the supply of pork will remain stable throughout the period. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
