14 May 2025 — The Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines, Inc. (ProPork) has formally requested the Department of Agriculture (DA) to lift the maximum suggested retail price (mSRP) on pork, citing improved market stability and the need to encourage local production.
In a letter dated 13 May 2025, ProPork President Rolando Tambago acknowledged the positive impact of the mSRP since its implementation nearly two months ago. He said the price control measure helped temper pork prices in some areas of the National Capital Region, contributing to the recent easing of inflation.
“We commend the Department of Agriculture for its proactive steps in protecting consumers during a critical time of heightened demand,” Tambago wrote, referring to the post-holiday and election season price surges that preceded the mSRP implementation.
However, the federation believes that maintaining the mSRP longer could have unintended consequences for local pork producers. “While we recognize that supply challenges remain, it is now time to create the right incentives for our farmers to increase production,” Tambago said.
ProPork said lifting the mSRP will serve as a critical move toward long-term price stability and supply security in the pork sector. By removing the price ceiling, swine raisers will be better positioned to invest in recovery and expansion efforts after facing numerous setbacks in recent years.
Tambago also reiterated the federation’s ongoing commitment to working with the government in programs that balance the welfare of both producers and consumers. “We remain fully supportive of the Department of Agriculture’s mission to ensure food affordability while also empowering local producers.”
ProPork has long been a partner of the DA in addressing key issues in the livestock sector, including disease management, farm recovery, and sustainable production initiatives.
It looks forward to a favorable response from Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr., confident that the next steps will further strengthen the pork industry’s recovery and growth.