CEBU Gov. Pamela Baricuatro lifted the ban on the entry of pigs and pork products from other provinces on Thursday, July 3, 2025, to ease the burden on consumers facing high pork prices, which have reached P400 per kilo.
This terminates a previous directive by former governor Gwendolyn Garcia to control African swine fever (ASF).
Why it matters
The high price of pork in Cebu, reportedly the highest nationwide at P400/kilo, is a major concern for consumers. The lifting of the ban is expected to increase supply and stabilize prices.
“We signed an executive order lifting the restriction [on] the entry of livestock. It was brought about because of the present situation where the price per kilo of pork is very high. I think now it’s at P400/kilo, and in the other province it’s like almost P100 plus; ours is the highest all over the country in Cebu, so it’s concerning,” Baricuatro said.
While the ban is lifted, strict biosecurity measures, including valid Veterinary Health Certificates, approved shipping permits and meat inspection certificates, remain mandatory for all incoming products.
Caveat
Provincial Veterinarian Mary Rose Vincoy noted that the new directive does not eliminate the risk of swine disease in Cebu, emphasizing that the virus will always be present and the province must “live with the virus.”
What’s next
The Capitol will continue to coordinate with the Department of Agriculture in Central Visayas. / ANV, JJL