Gov’t says there’s enough supply of pork, chicken, rice

The Philippines has enough pork, chicken and rice to meet domestic demand well beyond the holiday season, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Agriculture Undersecretary Asis Perez said pork stocks could cover about 170 days after Dec. 31, while chicken supply could last 125 days and rice 85 days.

Perez said the country’s food supply situation is now more secure, crediting both government efforts and the private sector for maintaining sufficient stocks.

However, he warned that excessive supply could eventually pressure farmgate and retail prices. He also urged consumers to maintain their purchases amid observations of weaker buying activity.

Meanwhile, Perez described the increase in rice prices this year as a “price correction” after relatively low prices in 2025 hurt farmers financially.

Philippine Statistics Authority data showed well-milled rice averaged ₱49 per kilo and regular-milled rice ₱42 last year. By September this year, prices had risen to ₱56 and ₱49 per kilo, respectively.

Perez said commodity prices must also reflect higher production costs, particularly for fuel and fertilizer.

The DA, he added, is providing assistance to farmers to help them cope with rising input costs.