Councilor Luis Marcaida III is set to investigate complaints from hog raisers in Puerto Princesa about the low farmgate price of live pigs and palay, even as consumers continue to pay high prices in markets.
Marcaida, who chairs the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s Committee on Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, said he received the complaint from Southeast Barangays Deputy Mayor Bong Amurao, who was approached by hog raisers and farmers asking for assistance.
As part of the inquiry, Marcaida said he will summon representatives from the City Agriculture Office, City Veterinary Office, and other concerned offices to find out what is causing the price gap and how to address it.
He said it is unfair that those raising pigs are paid so little while pork remains expensive in the markets.
“Ito ay ipinarating na impormasyon sa akin ng ating Deputy Mayor sa South na si dating Konsehal Bong Amurao kung saan may mga reports na nakarating sa kanya na ‘yung mga kababayan natin sa bandang South ng Puerto Princesa ay kinausap siya at humihingi ng tulong dahil sa masyadong mababa ang kuha ng presyo ng baboy sa mga farmers na nag-aalaga ng baboy pero mataas ang presyo sa palengke,” Marcaida said.
Based on information he received, live pigs are now being bought from local raisers at around ₱150 per kilo, with some reporting offers as low as ₱120.
Marcaida said this is not sustainable for hog raisers, who also face high costs for feeds, vitamins, and other farm inputs.
He added that consumers are also being affected because pork is still expensive despite the low live weight prices.
Marcaida said the exact cause of the price issue is still unclear, but they are also looking into whether bulk-buying operations by buyers from outside the city may be affecting local prices.
“Less than ₱150 ang kuha ngayon at dati parang naging standard na sa ₱150 na price. Pero ngayon ay less than ₱150 ang kuha doon sa mga farmer sa barangay. Yung sa palay, ang kuha daw sa mga farmer natin ay ₱10 na lang per kilo kaya nagrereklamo na talaga ang farmers natin lalo na sa bandang Inagawan kung bakit ganun kababa ang kuha ng presyo ng palay sa kanila na nakaka-apekto talaga sa farmers natin,” he said.
“Hindi pa natin ma-determine pero pwede rin siguro dahil ‘yung mga hog van na ‘yan ay maramihan kung kumuha at baka pati presyo ay naibababa. Malalaman natin ‘yan doon sa committee meeting at ayaw kong mag-speculate muna kung ano ang totoong dahilan kung bakit bumaba,” he added.
Marcaida said he is open to holding a joint session between the Sangguniang Panlungsod and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan if farmers and hog raisers in other parts of Palawan are facing the same issue.
Pork prices
In public markets across Puerto Princesa, pork now sells for ₱340 to ₱380 per kilo, up from the previous range of ₱270 to ₱280 per kilo. Authorities have noted the spike but said it is not yet enough to justify the enforcement of price control measures.
Rose, a housewife who regularly buys pork liempo said her family used to buy one kilo, but now they settle for just half a kilo because of the price increase. She requested not to be named.
“Dati nakakabili kami ng isang kilo para sa buong pamilya. Ngayon kalahating kilo na lang kasi sobrang mahal na ng baboy. May panahon pa na umabot ng ₱400. Hindi na kaya kung bibili pa ng ingredients. Magkano lang ba ang basic wage? Mapupunta lahat sa karne,” she said.
Under these circumstances, Rose said other families like hers are left to stretch smaller portions just to get by.
Calls for intervention
Meanwhile, the issue has drawn strong reactions from hog raisers and residents on social media under a Palawan News video post. They are urging the local government to act swiftly and decisively.
“Sana maaksyonan po. Sana maibalik ang mamimili galing ibang lugar kasi nakikipagkarera din sila sa presyo ng labas, walang baratan sa kuha ng live na baboy… wala na ngang tubo, nawala pa puhunan,” said Facebook user Geroza Ai, who described how small raisers are being squeezed out by bulk buyers dictating prices.
Another user, Nap Serodad, called on the authorities to intervene and regulate prices.
“Sana po mabigyan ng agarang aksyon at mag-set ng presyo ng bilihan para hindi ‘yung mga buyer mag-decide kung ano ang gusto nilang presyo,” he said.
Hog raisers said they are taking heavy losses due to the soaring cost of feeds and other inputs, while being forced to sell their pigs at a loss.
“Lugi po talaga kami, sobrang taas ng feeds. Dapat patawan ng parusa ‘yung mga barat na buyer,” said Lymorlyn Oshita Baradero.
They also blamed middlemen for the gap between farmgate and market prices.
Others echoed calls for broader consultation and lasting solutions.
“Pati po dito sa Quezon ganyan din po. Mas maganda talagang mapag-usapan na at mabigyan ng agarang solusyon. Luging lugi na po kami,” said Ragelin Daquer.
