TALISAY City, Cebu Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas Jr. on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021 ordered the City Agriculture’s Office to investigate the increase in the prices of pork, chicken and beef in the city’s markets.
After receiving complaints about the sudden price increases, Gullas wants to know the reasons behind them.
A kilo of pork was usually sold for P220, but the price recently increased by P40-50 per kilo. A kilo is now sold for from P260 to P270 per kilo.
A kilo of dressed chicken is now sold for P190-P210 per kilo from the usual price of P160 per kilo.
The price of beef per kilo also increased to P300-P320 per kilo from P280 per kilo.
Price increase confirmed
The Department of Agriculture (DA) 7 and the Central Visayas Pork Producers Cooperative (Cevippco) confirmed the price increase of pork and other agriculture products.
Aside from the pork price increase, Cevippco president Paul Holaysan said the prices of chicken, beef, fish, egg, vegetables, corn and other commodities have also increased.
Holaysan said the price increase in the local market is seasonal. During holidays prices of basic commodities usually go up because of consumer demand.
On alert
Central Visayas has been on heightened alert since Jan. 15, 2021, after the first case of the African swine fever (ASF) was detected in Eastern Visayas.
Authorities said Central Visayas remains free of ASF, which is a virus that affects only pigs. (BBT / KAL)