“AWANEN TI TINNAWAR”: Santa Marcela sets official hog, pork, beef prices

Santa Marcela, Philippines – The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Santa Marcela has enacted Ordinance No. 008, Series of 2025, amending the earlier Ordinance No. 015-2022 to set revised rates for live weight hog purchases and standardized prices for meat products in the municipality. The adjustments aim to promote fair trade practices, safeguard consumer interests, and provide stability for local meat producers and vendors.

The ordinance establishes clear pricing tiers for live pigs based on weight and type:

85 kilos and above: ₱210.00 per kilo

84 kilos and below: ₱200.00 per kilo

Sows and boars: ₱180.00 per kilo

Native pigs: ₱200.00 per kilo

New fixed prices have also been set for pork and beef/carabeef cuts:

Pork

Hybrid lean meat: ₱320.00 per kilo

Ribs and bones: ₱300.00 per kilo

Native lean meat: ₱320.00 per kilo

Ribs and bones: ₱300.00 per kilo

Beef/Carabeef

Lean/pinapaitan: ₱400.00 per kilo

Sinanglaw, bones, and ribs: ₱350.00 per kilo each

Bulalo: ₱250.00 per kilo

Saka (kukod): ₱150.00 per kilo

Skin (kudil): ₱100.00 per kilo

Head: negotiable

To ensure compliance, the ordinance outlines graduated penalties:

First offense: ₱2,500.00 fine

Second offense: ₱4,500.00 fine

Third offense: ₱6,000.00 fine and cancellation of business permit or license to operate

Municipal Mayor Evelyn B. Martinez stated that the ordinance was crafted after extensive consultation with all sectors.

“For too long, both producers and consumers have faced uncertainty with fluctuating prices and inconsistent rates. This ordinance creates a level playing field, ensuring our hog raisers get fair compensation for their hard work while keeping meat affordable for our residents,” she said.

“We have established clear guidelines that are easy to understand and enforce. Our goal is to build trust in the local meat market and support the growth of our agricultural sector, which is a cornerstone of Santa Marcela's economy,” she added.

Local hog producers expressed support for the new regulations. “As small-scale raisers, we often struggle to negotiate fair prices with buyers. With these fixed rates, we know exactly what we'll get for our pigs, which helps us plan our operations better,” they said.

Meat vendors also welcomed the ordinance. “Standardized pricing means no more disputes with customers over costs. Knowing that the rates are fair for everyone involved, we are committed to following the rules to help maintain order in our market,” they added.

The LGU emphasized that the new regulations aim to create a balanced marketplace that benefits both producers and consumers while maintaining transparency in pricing across the municipality.