AGRICULTURE Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Wednesday defended Executive Order (EO) 116 mandating an increase in the minimum access volume (MAV) for pork imports, citing production and inflationary risks.
This came after critics said the measure was untimely and that the EO was issued without Tiu Laurel's knowledge.
He was quick to dispute this, saying the Department of Agriculture had requested it last year amid rising pork prices and supply constraints due to Asian swine fever-related losses.
“EO 116 was crafted to help stabilize pork prices and ensure consumers have access to more affordable food,” Tiu Laurel said.
“While the proposal was initiated last year, the conditions that justified it remain — and may even be more pronounced today,” he added.
The MAV refers to a specific volume of agricultural commodities allowed into the country at lower tariff rates. For pork, the in-quota tariff is 15 percent while the out-quota duty is 25 percent.
EO 116 raised the MAV for pork to 204,210 metric tons from 54,210 MT to ensure supplies and lower prices amid losses caused by African swine fever.
Tiu Laurel said the onset of the southwest monsoon also poses renewed risks of swine fever outbreaks that could disrupt pork production and tighten local pork supply.
“Historically, ASF infections tend to increase during the rainy season. If supply is affected again, pork prices could climb as [they] did before," he said.
EO 116 guidelines, Tiu Laurel said, will consider the welfare of all stakeholders.
“EO 116 is not self-executing. The IRR (implementing rules and regulations) will ensure that the interests of consumers, hog raisers, importers, and other stakeholders are properly balanced,” he said.
