• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Provincial Local Price Coordinating Council (PLPCC) of Negros Occidental has recommended the adoption of suggested minimum buying and retail price levels for selected swine commodities as the province continues to deal with market disruptions caused by African swine fever (ASF).
The recommendation, contained in Resolution No. 1, series of 2026, was adopted on Aug. 13 by the PLPCC chaired by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, following consultations and price monitoring conducted by concerned provincial government offices, member-agencies, and industry stakeholders.
Under the proposed price guide, live hogs classified as finishers are set at a suggested minimum price of P165 per kilogram while starter hogs are pegged at P200 per kilogram.
Culled sows are set at P100 per kilogram while piglets are recommended at P2,700 per head.
For processed and slaughtered products, the council recommended a minimum reference price of P200 per kilogram for hog carcasses and P270 per kilogram for pork.
The PLPCC said the measure is intended to provide a reasonable market reference and promote fair dealing among hog raisers, livestock buyers, traders, slaughterhouse operators, meat vendors, and consumers.
The council noted that the continuing effects of ASF have disrupted the production, movement, supply and marketing of live hogs and pork products, resulting in significant changes in market conditions.
It said the recommended price levels take into consideration prevailing market conditions, production costs, supply and demand, transportation and operating expenses, and the continuing impact of ASF on the local swine industry.
The resolution also cites Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, which seeks to ensure the availability of basic necessities and prime commodities at reasonable prices while protecting legitimate businesses and consumers from adverse pricing and supply conditions.
The PLPCC emphasized that the recommended prices are intended as suggested minimum price references for businesses and individuals involved in the buying, selling, processing and distribution of swine commodities in the province.
The council said these factors may be used as a basis for reviewing or adjusting the suggested price levels as market conditions evolve. | GPB
