Agri dep’t says pork imports still needed

The Department of Agriculture (DA) defended President Marcos’ executive order that increased pork import allocations to cushion the impact of African swine fever (ASF) and the Middle East conflict on the local swine industry.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the issuance of Executive Order No. 116 “remains both relevant and necessary” amid the renewed ASF risks and the mounting inflationary pressures due to the Middle East crisis.

“EO 116 was crafted to help stabilize pork prices and ensure consumers have access to more affordable food,” Tiu Laurel said in a statement on Wednesday.

The agency made the clarification following AGAP Party-list Representative Nicanor Briones’ pronouncement during a congressional hearing that raising pork imports were no longer timely.

Tiu Laurel, however, refuted the claim and said the request for higher allocations was made in 2025 when pork prices were rising and domestic supply remained constrained by ASF-related losses.

“While the proposal was initiated last year, the conditions that justified it remain—and may even be more pronounced today,” Tiu Laurel said.

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Signed on May 19, EO No. 116 increased the minimum access volume (MAV) for pork to 204,210 metric tons (MT) from 54,210 MT this year to address the existing gap in pork supply as well as ensure adequate and affordable food for consumers.

Tiu Laurel said the EO is not yet in force, with the agency drafting its implementing rules and regulations.