Stable supply and prices of pork products for both market and industry may be seen following the recent lifting of the import ban from Spain, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
This comes after the DA released Department Circular No. 22, which recognized regionalization measures for African swine fever, as well as the resumption of imports of pork meat, pig skin, and other swine by-products from Spain.
DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said stakeholders and consumers will benefit from the expected price stability despite the effects of the recent global oil surges.
“Malaking tulong ang pag-lift ng ban ulit sa Spain at regionalization para ma-ensure natin aside from other countries, mayroon tayong iba-ibang sources ng karne nanggaling sa ibang bansa.”
As of May 20., prices of frozen kasim (shoulder) in Metro Manila range from P210 per kilogram to P280 per kilo, while frozen liempo (belly) ranges from P280 to P360 per kilo, according to the DA-Bantay Presyo.
Stable prices will not be limited to local markets, but also cover industrial products, such as processed meat and hotdogs, among others.
“So, kapag mura, ibig sabihin mapapanatili o mas mapa-ensure natin ang processed meat kagaya ng de lata, luncheon meat, at iba pa, mananatili na stable ang presyo (So, when it’s cheap, it means it will be sustained or it can ensure that the prices of canned goods, luncheon meat, and others),” de Mesa said.
The regionalization will likewise help ensure stable sourcing from Spain given its status as a major pork supplier.
“Yung mga lugar doon sa Spain na wala namang outbreak can still export sa ating bansa without affecting overall integrity ng karne,” de Mesa said.
Under the new directive, all import transactions from Spain must comply with bilateral import protocols, Philippine quarantine regulations and the guidelines under Administrative Circular No. 12 series of 2025, which established the framework for bilateral recognition of ASF regionalization among accredited trading partners.
The Philippines imposed a temporary ban on Spanish pork imports last year through DA Memorandum Order No. 75, following the reporting of ASF cases in parts of Europe, prompting tighter border controls to protect the local hog industry.PNA
