By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson assures hog raisers in the province that the supply of meat is still enough.

Lacson made the assurance after several hog raising groups and meat producers expressed their concern over the rising costs of hogs and pork products.

Based on price monitoring released by the Negros Occidental Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) as of January 25, 2021, the price of pork in Bacolod City is currently averaging at P245, while in other localities in the province it is averaging between P205 to P213.

The price in Bacolod City is higher compared in the past when it was only sold at P200 to P220 per kilo.

Because of this, the local hog raisers are urging the governor to make sure that the supply of hogs in the province would remain stable and to control the number of hogs being exported to Luzon.

Lacson said he is ready to talk with local hog raisers over the matter in order to make sure that the supply will be enough at all times.

However, he commented that it would be impossible for him to stop other hog raising groups that are exporting their products to Luzon, adding it is their right.

Based on an earlier statement made by PVO head, Dr. Renante Decena, the number of hogs they exported to Luzon reached around 5,000 between December of last year up to this month.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar had also earlier blamed traders for the “jacked up” price of pork products as well as other food items in the country./DGB, WDJ