Manufacturers urge Pinoys to buy local food products

MANILA, Philippines — Local food manufacturers are appealing to consumers to patronize during the holidays chicken, fish, and pork that are locally produced.

In a statement, the manufacturers said local food products would not only provide consumers fresh and healthier options but would also help farmers and producers survive the pandemic and compete with food products from other countries.

Chicken is the cheapest source of protein in the Philippines.

The country’s estimated per capita consumption of chicken amounts to 8.2 kilograms per year and 15 kg for pork. For fish and other fishery products, the per capita consumption stands at 40 kg per year.

“It’s important to buy locally produced chicken. Not only is it healthier by being free from preservatives but it also supports the local value chain. It puts food on our table and also feeds the families of everyone who worked to bring the chicken from farm to table,” said Karen Jimeno, legal counsel of Vitarich Corp.

Elias Jose Inciong, president of United Broiler Raisers Association, said consumers really prefer local over imported, and that the demand for imported chicken and pork usually comes from hotel, restaurant and institutional customers.

Nonon Tambago, president of the Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines, said that by buying local pork, consumers would be assured of clean and fresh pork for their families during their holiday celebrations.

“Price may be a bit higher than imported but the quality of local pork is superior to thawed imported pork,” said Tambago, also president of Virginia Farms.

The prevailing retail prices of pork ham and pork belly stand at P320 per kg and P360 per kg, respectively.