The Department of Agriculture (DA) 6 has assured that the supply of pork, beef, and chicken at markets is sufficient. But days to Christmas, the supply could go limited.

“Walang problema sa supply natin this December, kasi December 17 na ngayon ngunit ang supply stable at marami talaga. Sa pagpunta even sa grocery, marami ang supply, and then sa mga central markets rin,” said Ma. Teresa Solis, DA 6 assistant regional director for operations.

Consumers are advised to expect a spike in prices toward Christmas Day based on demand.

“Dahil mataas na ang demand at marami na ang Christmas parties, kahit sa bahay maghahanda tayo, so expected talaga yan,” Solis added.

In addition, DA 6 reminds consumers to be wiser in spending during the holiday season; to buy only what is needed and what is within the budget in order to avoid constraint and food waste.

The prices of pork, beef, and chicken at the market have been stable for months, according to vendors in Iloilo City. 

Pork chop is sold at P330 a kilo, belly at P370, boneless at P350. A kilo of lean beef sells at P420 per kilo, while beef bones sell at P380 a kilo. Whole chicken is sold at P195 per kilo, while sliced parts sell at P210 per kilo.

Liza Fernandez, vendor, said that the Christmas season gives her huge opportunities to look forward to, as she can sell more because of increased orders for Christmas party purposes.

“Kadalasan mga catering services naming mga suki, marami ang nag-o-order na,” Fernandez said.

Glenda Ruel, another vendor, said that though she finds the prices costly, she could not do away with pork and chicken dishes for Noche Buena.

“Mahirap kasi mataas ang presyo ng lahat na bilihin. Kung magpa-city kami, isinasabay na lang namin kasi mas mababa ang presyo dito sa city. Yan kasi ang tradisyon, na maghanda kahit konti lang,” Ruel said.