By CESAR JOLITO III

Pork prices in Negros Occidental have started to decline, according to the latest monitoring of the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO).

PVO chief Dr. Placeda Lemana said recent market checks showed pork being sold as low as P270 per kilo in some public markets in the province.

In Bacolod City, retail prices now range from P380 to P390 per kilo, a significant drop from the previous P400.

Lemana said the decline in prices is attributed to the recovery of local hog production as breeders have resumed operations, boosting supply.

Imported pork from African swine fever-free provinces, brought in with proper permits, has also contributed to stabilizing the market.

She added that while prices may slightly increase during the upcoming MassKara Festival due to higher demand, the rise will not be significant because of the province’s stable supply.

Lemana noted that while prices are currently lower, an increase may be expected during the holiday season when demand traditionally surges.

Meanwhile, Negros Occidental continues to supply hogs to other provinces, with shipments already reaching around 8,000 heads, based on PVO data.

“Negros Occidental even supplies live hogs to other provinces, which is a clear indicator of our sufficient production,” Lemana noted./CJ, WDJ