Holiday pork prices to drop as DA taps Kadiwa for cheap imports

Consumers can expect more affordable pork in time for the holidays as the Department of Agriculture (DA) plans to route most of its proposed pork imports under the Minimum Access Volume (MAV) Plus to Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) outlets.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the department is seeking to import about 150,000 metric tons (MT) of pork at a reduced 15% tariff, significantly lower than the standard 25%.

“The majority of this will be sold only through the Kadiwa system to help lower pork prices to a more reasonable level,” Laurel explained during an ambush interview last week.

By flooding KNP centers and accredited sites with lower-priced pork, the DA hopes to ease the burden on consumers grappling with skyrocketing meat prices in traditional markets. 

Current prices of pork ham (kasim) range from Php320 to Php410 per kilo, while pork belly (liempo) fetches Php360 to Php480 per kilo, according to DA-Bantay Presyo.

“Once this is approved, come December, there will be cheaper rice, cheaper pork, less spikes. So, this will be an early Christmas for all of us,” Laurel added.

Under the proposal, 100,000 MT of pork will be allocated to KNP outlets, 30,000 MT to meat processors, and the remainder to the food service industry. 

The plan has been submitted to the Office of the President after consultations with the Department of Finance. If Congress does not act within 15 days, the MAV Plus measure is considered approved.

The import window under the proposed MAV Plus will span one full year beginning August—just in time to help Filipino families enjoy a more affordable and festive holiday season.