DA: Chicken and pork supply to suffice during the holidays

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Agriculture assured consumers that there will be enough supply of chicken and pork during the Christmas season.

"Our supplies are sufficient even after Christmas," DA quoted Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala as saying in a statement.

Alcala said the DA does not see any problem as far as prices of chicken and pork are concerned.

DA said typhoon Lando's impact on the livestock sector is minimal compared to that of typhoon Glenda which hit the country in July last year and caused abnormalities in supply and prices of chicken. Lando struck the country last month.

The agency already communicated with meat processors which assured there will be enough supply of ham during the holiday season.

"This is significant because Filipinos have the habit of preparing early for the holidays since prices of commodities tend to go up during the yuletide season," Alcala said. "We have the longest Christmas season probably in the world which starts when September begins and lasts even after December ends."

Central Luzon or Region 3, which was hit by Lando, is the country's main source of chicken and pork. DA said there is no need to panic as there are still other sources of the these meat products. (FREEMAN)