In Bohol, pork prices begin to stabilize as ASF cases decline
MORE AFFORDABLE Prices of pork in Bohol, including those sold in meat stalls at the Tagbilaran City Central Market shown here on June 22, have begun to stabilize at a low of P300 per kilo, from a high of P450 per kilo in May, as the cases of African swine fever in the province decline. —Leo Udtohan
TAGBILARAN CITY, BOHOL, Philippines — The province of Bohol has seen a significant drop in African swine fever (ASF) cases between April and May this year, the Office of Provincial Veterinary (OVP) reported.
Dr. Meydallyn Paman, officer in charge of the OPV, reported that the number of the affected barangays declined from 64 in April to 36 in May, while the number of impacted localities declined from 19 to 17.
The decrease, she said, was attributed to intensified biosecurity measures, active surveillance, and swift response efforts by the OPV and the ASF Provincial Task Force.
The ASF outbreaks earlier in March and April this year had triggered volatility in pork prices in the province. Contributing factors included supply shortages, speculative pricing, and movement restrictions.
READ: Bohol town under state of calamity due to ASF
Pork prices in some areas peaked at P440 per kilo between May 30 and June 6. However, several towns had already been maintaining more moderate prices at around P320 per kilo since early May, according to the OPV.
By June, prices began stabilizing at between P300 and P330 per kilo, depending on the cut, which remained lower than the average cost of P400 per kilo recorded in January.
Pricing review
To address pricing concerns, the Provincial Price Coordinating Council, in a meeting last June 17, agreed to review the supply and pricing of essential commodities.
Prices at the Tagbilaran City Public Market were consistent with those at commercial outlets, indicating price stability in key areas.
Bohol has been on alert against ASF since 2019 in a bid to protect the province’s P6-billion hog industry.
Authorities still prohibit the entry of pork and pork products from other provinces with reported cases of ASF to Bohol. /cb
