As hog meat became the top contributor of inflation in February, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Thursday the implementation of maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for pork in the National Capital Region starting Monday.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the decision was "made after consultations with industry stakeholders" from the producers to wholesalers, traders, and retailers of pork.

"Starting March 10, we will set an MSRP of P380 per kilo for liempo (pork belly) and P350 per kilo for kasim (pork shoulder) and pigue (thigh)," he said.

"We believe the MSRP will help ensure the sustainability of the pork industry, which continues to suffer from ASF’s adverse effects," he said.

The agency will also impose a maximum suggested price of P300 per kilo for “sabit ulo” or the price at which traders pass pork to retailers.

Laurel noted that the MSRP will be reviewed after one month.

However, DA noted that pork sold in so-called "modern markets" such as supermarkets and hypermarkets will be exempted from the MSRP given their higher operating costs.

The DA said the new pricing initiative which aims to ease the financial strain on consumers grappling with high meat prices considers the ongoing challenges due lingering effects of African Swine Fever (ASF).

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) announced on Wednesday that pork is the top contributor to the February inflation with 11.1 percent from 7.3 percent in January. Followed by poultry with 10.1 percent in February from 8.4 percent in January. Robina Asido/DMS