• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Talisay City has implemented minimum pork prices in an effort to protect the local hog industry and stabilize meat supplies, following the resurgence of African swine fever (ASF) in Negros Occidental.
In an executive order, Mayor Rowena Lopez Lizares sets minimum farmgate buying price for live hogs at P170 per kilogram (kg.), the minimum price for pisada/carcass at P240 per kg., and the minimum selling price of pork in public market, P270 per kg.
The measure comes in response to the resurgence of ASF cases in Negros Occidental, which have disrupted normal market operations and created uncertainty among hog raisers, traders, and meat vendors.
Lizares said the minimum pricing policy is intended to promote fair trade, prevent excessive price undercutting, and help ensure the economic sustainability of local swine producers while maintaining a stable supply of pork for consumers.
The executive order requires all meat retailers, market vendors, stall owners, and pork dealers operating within Talisay City to comply with the new minimum pricing schedule.
To ensure effective implementation, Lizares said the City Veterinary Office, City Economic Enterprise and Public Market Management Office, and Business Permits and Licensing Office will oversee market inspections and enforce compliance.
The City Agriculture Office will coordinate with hog raisers and vendor associations to monitor market conditions and assess the policy’s impact.
Lizares said that the minimum prices will be reviewed periodically and may be adjusted as market conditions, pork supply, and the ASF situation evolve. | GPB
