07/01/2026
Eat Local. Regulate Meat Imports.
Despite the anticipated holiday-driven increase in demand for pork, most backyard hog raisers remain underwhelmed by current liveweight prices. In the Davao Region, prices range from ₱140 to ₱170 per kilo – far below the minimum farmgate price of ₱210 per kilo set by the Department of Agriculture in November 2025.
What is depressing liveweight prices? Imports.
Hog supply in the region has been sufficient, produced by both backyard and commercial farms. Data suggest that certain quarters in 2025 showed stable inventory despite persistent African Swine Fever (ASF) threats.
Backyard farms remain the largest source of hogs in Mindanao, accounting for 65% to 70% of the swine inventory, with Northern Mindanao as the top producer, followed by the Davao Region and SOCCSKSARGEN. Mindanao not only supplies its own demand but also serves other parts of the Philippines (PSA).
Despite current supply, consumers increasingly prefer imported pork sold in supermarkets, meat shops, public markets, and even by unregistered online sellers because imports are significantly cheaper. Imported pork prices range from ₱230 to ₱280 per kilo for belly (liempo) and ₱190 to ₱250 per kilo for shoulder (kasim), compared to local market prices for mixed cuts, which range from ₱340 to ₱400 or more per kilo.
As a result, backyard hog raisers lament the damaging impact of imports on their livelihood. Feed costs remain high, while biosecurity requirements to protect against ASF continue to add financial pressure.
Their question to the government is simple: “Why import when we have supply?”
To be fair, importation is still necessary during certain cycles when domestic supply is insufficient and demand outpaces production – especially during ASF outbreaks. In fact, the Philippines is expected to increase pork imports in 2026. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), pork imports are projected to rise by seven percent to 750,000 metric tons, up from an estimated 700,000 metric tons in 2025. Meanwhile, data from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) show that the Philippines imported over 250 million kilograms of pork from January to April 2025, with 91.2 million kilograms sourced from Brazil, the country’s top exporter.
Imports are intended to stabilize consumer prices. However, similar to the impact of rice importation, excessive pork imports have significantly depressed local farmgate prices. Backyard raisers suffer from price dumping by importers, compounded by smuggled pork and chicken meat sold at even lower prices. This system benefits only importers, traders, select Filipino-Chinese business groups, and corrupt politicians who exploit the scheme.
In light of this, smallholder raisers are appealing to the government to strictly regulate importation. The Department of Agriculture should base import volumes on actual hog inventory, harvest calendars, and buffer stock requirements. Any excess importation should be prohibited. The mandated farmgate price must also be strictly enforced – from the farm level to the end consumer.
If imports remain loose and unregulated, consumers will continue patronizing imported meat, forcing farmers to sell at salvage prices. Farmers will sink deeper into debt and may eventually abandon hog raising altogether, further weakening local production. Worse, consumers cannot be fully assured of the quality and safety of these imported meats.
Imports are meant to address scarcity – not destroy the local farming industry. As an agricultural country, the Philippines is undeniably capable of producing sufficient livestock to ensure long-term food security. With genuine government support, the country can become more than self-sufficient in hog supply, without relying heavily on imports. And to our Filipino consumers, your role is just as important: eat local, support our farmers.
Outlook | Angelo Caballero
