MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao
(DA-10) brought together local government units, provincial veterinarians and hog industry
stakeholders on August 14 to discuss challenges facing the region’s swine industry, particularly
concerns over pork prices.

The coordination meeting, held in this city through the DA-10 Livestock Program, provided a
venue for stakeholders to share market updates and identify possible interventions to support the
growth and stability of the local hog industry.
DA-10 OIC-Regional Technical Director for Operations Viralou L. Tuquib, DVM, MPM, said
the meeting was aimed at gathering inputs from stakeholders and finding practical measures that
would benefit both hog producers and consumers.
“The Department recognizes the pricing concerns that greatly affect everyone in the value
chain,” Tuquib said. “I hope that through this meeting, we can explore and agree on practical and
clear measures to help protect our producers and consumers.”
The DA in a statement said participants identified pork imports as among the factors affecting
prices of locally produced pork, with potential implications for hog raisers and other producers.
They proposed measures including the harmonization of prices between imported and locally
produced pork, closer management of traders’ pricing practices and maintaining a balanced
supply in the market.
Stakeholders also discussed prevailing market conditions and the increased pork Minimum
Access Volume under Executive Order No. 116, series of 2026.
The group called for a review of the policy and consideration of possible adjustments to tariffs
on imported pork.

Jinky C. Yap, DA-10 Livestock Program focal person, said the department had taken note of the
concerns and recommendations raised during the meeting.
She said DA-10 would continue working with industry stakeholders to develop responsive
measures aimed at supporting hog producers, promoting market stability and strengthening the
region’s swine industry. (melbmadera)