CAUAYAN CITY, Isabela (June 21)—The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) admitted that there is a shortage of pork meat supply, which is also causing pork prices to soar in the region.
In a local radio interview, DA Region 2 executive director Narciso Edillo noted that almost all breeding pigs have died due to the effects of the African swine fever (ASF).
Edillo said there is a need to bring more breeding pigs to Cagayan Valley, which comprises the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino and the island province of Batanes.
Edillo said the lack of a vaccine against ASF is among the reasons why hog raisers are afraid to venture again to hog breeding. He also noted that the price of feed has gone up, along with the price of petroleum products.
At present, the price of pork per kilo ranges from P330 to P350 in the region. LCD