By MB Online
The United Broiler Raisers Association on Monday appealed to the government to stop the importation of chicken amid the COVID-19 pandemic because of oversupply due to lack of demand.
“Hirap na hirap na kami simula nung nag-ECQ tayo kasi lumiit ang demand eh. Ang malaking consumption ng manok ay galing sa hotels, restaurants, fastfood. Eh sarado lahat eh,” UBRA chairman Gregorio San Diego said in an interview over DZBB.
“Parang may gripo na nawalan ng tubig eh. Hindi napaghandaan eh. Ine-expect pa naman natin na lalaki ang demand sa manok dahil sa kakulangan ng baboy. Hindi naman natin inaanticipate ito. Talagang lumiit masyado ang demand,” San Diego pointed out.
The demand for chicken in the country has plunged since the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was implemented last March 17, San Diego said.
“Sa US, Europe, pinatitigil na nila ang importation to protect their own, sana ganun rin tayo. Kasi nakakabahala ang data na pinalabas ng DA , magrerecover by fourth quarter, at magkakaroon ng 256 kilos na sobra. Halos isang taong supply,” he cited.
Meanwhile, demand for eggs has remained strong amid the ongoing lockdown. “Iyong itlog, okay naman ‘yung negosyo. Sa lahat naman source ng protina dito sa Pilipinas, pinakamura naman ang itlog eh. Madaling iluto. Puwedeng boiled, scrambled…hindi mo na kailangan ng ibang sangkap,” San Diego said.
The agriculture department is already looking into the problem, he added.
San Diego, meanwhile, warned that continued importation of chicken amid a low demand could force the breeders to stop production.
"Kapag nasaktan masyado ang industriya ng broiler, halimbawa, natatakot kami baka tumigil ang mga breeders. Kung walang sisiw, mas matagal na makakarecover ang production,” he said.