Hog raisers, in collaboration with the Quezon City local government unit (LGU) and the Department of Tourism (DOT), are gearing up to boost local pork production through a Guinness World Record attempt.

With the recent outbreak of the African Swine Fever (ASF) cases in some parts of the Philippines, the public grew wary of purchasing pork locally. But local farmers counter this by attempting to break the Guinness world record for the most variety of pork dishes for the first time.

Jayson Cainglet, SINAG Hog Farm executive director, said that this event will help alleviate public fear, ensuring that local hogs are clean and safe for consumers.

“We are the only nation who utilizes all pork parts and cuts for dishes,” he shared despite the high demand for imported meat in the Philippines.

“Consumers [prefer imports] because they think they are P40 to P50 cheaper than local goods, but food safety is not often considered. But fresher meats are better than frozen goods, and they usually guarantee safety,” Cainglet emphasized.

The latest pork price per kilo in Cebu is around P380, while the suggested retail price (SRP) for pork set earlier this month was estimated at P400 per kilo.

According to the SINAG director, ASF tightening local supply is not the only factor behind the high domestic prices, as the cost of production in the Philippines affects the pricing as well.

“Fifty percent of the production cost is feeding, and it’s relatively expansive unlike those that are industrially produced,” Cainglet said. “While imported pork is heavily subsidized.”

He believes that the country has no problem with pork stock since commercial farms are increasing. However, because of the industrial growth, backyard hog production is slowly decreasing.

“We want to impose stricter biosecurity since we are just recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic effects and the ASF,” he elaborated.

Biosecurity plays a role in ensuring food quality but can be costly to smaller hog raisers.

ASF scare

When asked about the ongoing ASF outbreak that affects local production, SINAG said that there is nationwide testing for diseases which prevents contaminated pork from reaching the public market.

“Every province and city certify their products as ASF-tested, unlike imports, which they never test and get directed to cold storage,” Cainglet said.

“There is no quarantine control in the border despite the law, which is why the port of Manila should have inspection or disease testing,” he added.

First border inspections will be conducted through the incoming Cold Examination Facility for Agriculture (CEFA) located in Angat, Bulacan, which disseminates products from outbreaks, illegal importers, smuggled items, and mishandling of agricultural commodities.

Despite the efforts made by the agriculture sector and the hog raisers, ASF is yet to be completely gone unless a vaccine is rolled out.

Don’t let the virus affect your purchasing power on pork, though! The local pig industry ensures that pork is safe and within the certified green zones before they are delivered for consumption.