Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 12) — The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday said bird flu, which affected egg producing areas, led to a rise in the commodity’s prices as Filipino consumers also grapple with increasing prices of other agricultural products.
‘
“This is still the effect of avian influenza na tinamaan tayo (that hit us),” DA Deputy Spokesperson Rex Estoperez told CNN Philippines’ The Source.
‘
Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) president Rosendo So earlier told CNN Philippines there is shortage in supply of eggs since bird flu hit producing provinces like Pampanga and Bulacan.
‘
Estoperez said the government is working with broilers and egg producers to address the problem, noting that the local industry is starting to recover but it may take time.
‘
According to the Department of Agriculture’s latest price monitoring, the average cost of a medium-sized egg in Metro Manila markets ranges from ₱6.90 to ₱8.70.
‘
However, in some markets, prices even reach ₱10 just for a regular-sized egg.
‘
The Philippine Egg Board Association said this is too much as farmgate prices only range from ₱6.20 to ₱7.20.
‘
Despite the high price, Estoperez said the cost of eggs is not expected to further increase since production continues as the industry recovers from the virus.
‘
Meanwhile, Estoperez said they are also monitoring prices of some vegetables, namely bitter gourd or ampalaya, cabbage, and carrots, after farms in Benguet were hit by frost.
‘
He noted this led to prices increasing by 10-15%.
‘
The DA is also receiving reports that strawberries are being fed to animals because of lack of buyers.
‘
“Going back to that, kung vegetable man from Benguet, parang talagang mayroon tayong problema doon sa supply chain (there seems to really be a problem with supply chain),” Estoperez said.
‘
The DA official said this has to be addressed with long term solutions, but did not elaborate.
‘
