Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Placeda Lemana said that pork prices have increased in Negros Occidental because of the high demand for its live pigs from buyers outside the province.
The demand for Negros Occidental pigs is high, especially from provinces like Iloilo, Lemana said on Thursday, Nov. 16.
With this level of demand, prices of lechon are expected to increase, especially as Christmas approaches, Lemana added.
Lemana said that in Kabankalan City, the live pig price is at P190/kilo and if the buyer is not from Negros the price can even go up to P200/kilo.
She clarified that while pre-sentineling is ongoing in some areas of the province hit by African Swine Fever, the pig stock in Negros Occidental sufficient.
Pork prices range from P230 to P320/kilo, which could go up next month, especially during the holidays, she said.
Currently, lechon prices are still at P7,500 to P8,000 but in December they could go up to P10,000 or more, she added.*