By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Pork prices in various localities in Negros Occidental are expected to increase even further as the holiday season draws closer.

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the price increase is a “natural happening” as the demand and consumption are also expected to increase during the holidays.

“Natural gid na nga during the month of December, masaka gid,” Lacson said.

“I should be happy for the hog raisers, and the price will always stay where it is for as long as the demand is there,” he added.

Lacson said the demand for lechon or roasted pig, the “staple” during the celebrations, will also increase.

He is also adamant that despite the threat of hog cholera and African swine fever, the demand for lechon will be stable.

“I think we have a sufficient supply of lechon that the Negrenses want,” he added.

Earlier, local consumers had expressed concern after pork prices surged from P350 to P360 per kilogram.

Last week, Sipalay City had the lowest pork prices at P250 per kilogram, while in Bacolod City, the prices have now surged from P350 to P360 per kilogram.

Pork was sold for only P320 per kilogram in the previous week, much higher than the P300 to P315 per kilogram in late October and early November, with the cheapest at P230.

The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) said they were expecting prices to surge in December.

The PVO explained that the price hike was not caused by a lack of supply, but rather competition from neighboring provinces.

Liveweight pork prices in neighboring Panay Island were higher by P20 to P30.

The PVO has also assured consumers that the pork supply will remain stable for the holidays./DGB, WDJ