Alcala urges vendors not to raise prices

MANILA, Philippines - Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala urged market vendors yesterday to refrain from jacking up their prices following reports of an increase in the prices of chicken and vegetables.

At the opening yesterday of the Agrikultura Trade Fair at the SM Megatrade Hall in Mandaluyong, Alcala said there is no reason for an increase in the price of chicken.

He pointed out that chicken production has not been affected by the continuous rains.

Likewise vegetable production remains stable with no reports of major production disruption, he added.

As for fishes, Alcala acknowledged that prices may temporarily go up since fishermen are unable to go out and fish, and also partly due to the production disruption from the recent fishkill.

Alcala reported that palay (paddy or unhusked rice) production for the second quarter, will not be affected by continuous rains. He said the rains, would only affect third quarter production.

Based on the good palay production for the first two quarters, Alcala said there is no further need for additional rice imports.

He said that barring any major calamity, the government would not need to do any additional rice imports for the second half of the year.