President Marcos increases minimum access volume for pork imports

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has increased the minimum access volume (MAV) for pork imports to ensure adequate supply and reduce retail prices.

Under Executive Order 116, the MAV of pork was increased from 54,210 metric tons to 204,210 MT for this year.

The order was signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, by authority of the President, on May 19.

In issuing EO 116, Marcos cited the continued spread of African swine fever, which significantly reduced the national swine inventory, resulting in substantial supply shortfall and persistent elevated pork prices.

The President also cited the declaration of a state of national energy emergency under EO 110 which aimed to mitigate price increases in essential goods.

“There is an urgent need to address the existing supply gap in pork, ensure adequate and affordable food for consumers and mitigate inflationary pressures,” the order stated.

EO 116 directed the MAV Management Committee (MMC) to ensure that the allocation of the volume importation is fair in accordance with the following: 30,000 MT for processors, 120,000 MT for the Food Terminal Inc. or the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program.

The MMC was also ordered to formulate and issue the implementation guidelines within 30 days from the effectivity of the order to ensure the allocations intended for the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program are efficiently utilized and implemented.

The EO noted that the MMC has recommended an increase in the MAV for pork by 150,000 MT annually for a period of two years to address prevailing supply constraints and price pressures to ensure the continued availability and affordability of pork and processed meat products.

Malacañang said the measure is part of the administration’s broader Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport program under EO 110, which directed a whole-of-government approach in mitigating the impact of the Middle East crisis.

The order will take effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette or any newspaper of general circulation.