PBBM raises minimum access volume for pork imports to boost supply, stabilize prices

By Brian Campued

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Agriculture (DA) to increase the minimum access volume (MAV) for pork imports to boost supply and keep prices affordable amid the current energy emergency in the country.

According to Executive Order (EO) No. 116, signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on May 19 by authority of the President, but was only made public on Friday, the MAV for pork meat will be raised from 54,210 metric tons (MT) to 204,210 MT.

The decision was made after the continued spread of African swine fever (ASF) significantly reduced the national swine inventory and caused “substantial supply shortfall and persistently elevated pork price.”

“There is an urgent need to address the existing supply gap in pork, ensure adequate and affordable food for consumers, and mitigate inflationary pressures,” the President said in his EO.

The new order likewise noted that the MAV Management Committee (MMC) has recommended an increase in the MAV for pork by 150,000 MT annually for two years to address prevailing supply constraints and price pressures, ensuring the continued availability and affordability of pork and processed meat products in the country.

Under EO 116, the MMC was directed to ensure a fair allocation of imported pork volumes, with 30,000 MT allotted for processors and 120,000 MT designated for the Food Terminal, Inc. (FTI) or the KADIWA ng Pangulo Program.

The committee was also directed to formulate and issue implementation guidelines within 30 days from the effectivity of the order.

“The guidelines shall ensure that the allocations intended for the Food Terminal Inc. and the KADIWA ng Pangulo Program are efficiently utilized and implemented in a manner consistent with the objectives of the MAV Plus mechanism, particularly in augmenting domestic supply, stabilizing market prices, and promoting consumer welfare,” the order stated.

The latest directive is part of the Marcos Jr. administration’s whole-of-government approach in mitigating the impact of the Middle East crisis on the economy and the Filipino people through the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) agenda provided under EO 110 issued on March 24.

One of UPLIFT’s pillars, “Keeping Food Prices within Reach,” mandates the Agriculture department, along with other relevant agencies, to ensure adequate supply as well as the stability of prices of food and essential commodities.

EO 116 takes effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

-jpv