Sec. Dar, together with Trade Secretary Ramon T. Lopez and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chair Benhur Abalos, jointly conducted price monitoring at the Commonwealth Market in Quezon City and SM Hypermarket in Mandaluyong City on February 9, 2021, to ensure that the price cap on pork and chicken products is being implemented.
During the inspection, Sec. Dar announced that the Department of Agriculture (DA) will recommend a P235 per kilogram Suggested Retail Price (SRP) for pork and set an SRP for imported pork and chicken.
He also announced that about 200 metric tons (MT) of hogs from General Santos City will arrive in Manila today, while supplies from Visayas is also set to be transported within the week.
Apart from the mobilization of hogs from non-ASF areas, the DA chief said there is initial coordination with MMDA and local mayors in Metro Manila to revive and strengthen their Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC).
He stressed that the SM Hypermarket has committed to buy live hogs, slaughter them, and deliver to different Hypermart and Walmart stores.
Mayor Joy Belmonte said the Quezon City government will issue an Executive Order for wet and private markets to waive rental fees for vendors who cannot sell pork.