Why is pork so expensive in the Philippines?

Why Pork Prices in the Philippines Keep Rising

Pork, once a staple on most Filipino tables, is becoming harder to afford. In Metro Manila, the average retail price has jumped to Php400 per kilo in early 2025—up from Php331.25 just a year earlier. That’s a sharp 20.7% increase, and it’s hitting household budgets hard.

The root of the problem traces back to the lingering effects of the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak. The disease devastated pig farms across the country in previous years, wiping out entire herds and forcing many small-scale farmers out of business. Even as outbreaks slow, recovery has been sluggish. Rebuilding pig populations takes time, and many producers are still playing catch-up.

On top of that, seasonal spikes in demand—especially during the 2024 holiday season—added pressure to already tight supplies. Filipinos traditionally stock up on pork for year-end feasts, and that surge in demand, combined with lower availability, pushed prices even higher.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has stepped in with measures like importing pork from other countries to stabilize prices, but these efforts only go so far. Feed costs remain high, logistics are strained, and climate-related disruptions continue to threaten production.

For now, families are adjusting—opting for chicken or fish instead, or buying smaller portions. While the situation may improve as local production rebounds, the road to stable, affordable pork prices will depend heavily on stronger disease control and better support for local hog raisers. Until then, that plate of sinigang with extra liempo might have to wait.