Retail pork prices have dropped in Mangaldan, Pangasinan as supply increases and imported meat continues to enter local markets, traders and officials said.

At the Mangaldan Public Market, pork now sells for about P280 to P290 per kilo.

Marilou Velasquez, a vendor, said the decline in prices has reduced their profit margins.

“Pababa ang presyo ngayon halos matalo kami kasi andami talagang imported na baboy mas mababa presyo nila,” Velasquez said.

Monitoring by the Mangaldan Slaughterhouse Division showed an increase in hogs being processed, with up to 45 pigs slaughtered daily, indicating a higher volume of available supply.

Consultant Veronica Junatas said traders are facing weaker earnings despite improved availability.

“Medyo maraming katay ngayon maraming supply ang problema lang ng mga negosyante ay mahina ang kita,” Junatas said.

The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) said the surge in imported meat is one of the main factors behind the price drop.

SINAG Chairman Rosendo So said import volumes rose sharply last year.

“’Yung sa baboy kasi ang laki ng ipinasok natin [’yung imported meat] ng 2025 almost 850 million kilos compared sa 2024 na nasa 580 million kilos,” So said.

Consumers like Alvin Ramos welcomed the lower prices, saying pork has become more affordable for household budgets.

“Pasok na sa budget ngayon hindi kami nahihirapan kasi mababa ang presyo,” Ramos said.

Local authorities said they will continue monitoring markets to ensure meat products sold to the public remain fresh and safe for consumption.