Shoppers at the Mangaldan Public Market are starting to feel the holiday price increase as chicken and pork costs go up due to higher demand this December.

Nita Barrozo, who buys meat twice a week, said she noticed the adjustment immediately.

“Medyo tumaas ngayon, kaya pa naman ng budget pero sana sa Pasko huwag na tumaas para naman maayos na makabili ng kailangan,” she said.

Vendors confirmed that liveweight fees for both chicken and pork have increased, pushing retail prices up. Chicken went up by ₱10 to ₱20 per kilo, while pork increased by ₱5 per kilo.

Sellers expect prices to rise slightly more in the coming days as Christmas nears.

“Wala rin naman sila magawa kung tataas ang presyo kasi kailangan nila kaya bibili sila,” Jao de Guzman, a businessman, said.

According to the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG), the supply of chicken and pork remains sufficient, and the current price movement is mainly driven by increased demand during the holiday season.

“Alam naman natin na tumataas lahat ng produkto doon sa retail maski hindi tumaas ang farmgate price,” SINAG chairperson Engr. Rosendo So said.

Based on the latest market monitoring in Mangaldan as of December 4, 2025, chicken sells for ₱220 per kilo, pork for ₱360–₱370 per kilo, and beef for ₱420 per kilo.

The National Meat Inspection Service continues regular inspections in public markets to ensure the safety of meat sold to consumers.