The Philippine government has issued Executive Order No. 116, increasing the Minimum Access Volume (MAV) for pork imports in an effort to address supply shortages, reduce rising food prices, and help stabilize inflation in the country.
Signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on May 19, 2026, the order raises the MAV for pork from 54,210 metric tons to 204,210 metric tons for MAV Year 2026.
Why the Government Increased Pork Imports
According to the Executive Order, the continued spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) has significantly reduced the country’s swine population. This shortage has resulted in higher pork prices in markets nationwide, placing additional pressure on Filipino consumers already dealing with rising food costs.
The government said the increase in pork imports aims to:
- Augment local pork supply
- Lower retail pork prices
- Ensure affordable food for consumers
- Help manage inflationary pressures
The order also cites Executive Order No. 110, which declared a state of national energy emergency and directed agencies to implement measures to maintain economic stability and prevent price spikes in essential goods.
Allocation of Imported Pork
Under EO 116, the MAV Management Committee (MMC) is tasked with ensuring fair allocation of imported pork volumes.
The allocation includes:
- 30,000 metric tons for processors
- 120,000 metric tons for the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) under the KADIWA ng Pangulo Program
The KADIWA program is expected to help distribute affordable pork products directly to consumers and communities.
Guidelines and Implementation
The MMC has been directed to create and issue implementing guidelines within 30 days from the effectivity of the order. These guidelines are expected to ensure efficient utilization of imported pork supplies while supporting market stability and consumer welfare.
The Executive Order takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
What This Means for Consumers
For ordinary consumers, EO 116 could eventually lead to:
- More stable pork supply in markets
- Lower pork prices
- Improved availability of processed meat products
However, the long-term impact will still depend on implementation, market response, and ongoing efforts to control African Swine Fever in the country.
As food inflation continues to affect Filipino households, the government hopes this move will provide temporary relief while supporting overall economic stability.
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