Vendors in Mangaldan noted a slight increase in liveweight prices of hogs this week, which affects the market price of pork directly.

“Kung minsan mataas, kung minsan mababa. At saka hindi naman kami ang nagbibigay ng presyo, naka-depende lang kami sa ibinababang presyo sa amin,” Monette Biay, a meat vendor, said.

At the Mangaldan Public Market, the farmgate price of pork is P230 per kilo, which means retail prices should not exceed P400. With pork supply steady, officials see no reason for sudden increases.

“Sinulatan ng Department of Agriculture ‘yung mga suspected higher price, para malaman kung ano situation nila,” Engr. Rosendo So, Chairman of the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG), said.

In Pangasinan, SINAG confirmed there is no supply issue within the province. However, they are monitoring pork supplies brought in from outside the region, which could affect local prices.

Meanwhile, consumers are adjusting their budgets to cope.

“Budgeting na lang talaga. Kakayanin ang presyo. Kung kaya abutin ang presyo nila, okey,” Jocelyn Sembrano, a regular shopper, said.

As of May 15, pork sells for P380 per kilo in Mangaldan—still within the acceptable price range set by the Department of Agriculture.