Protect Producers, But Don’t Leave Consumers Behind: Salcedo’s Hog Price Order Draws Scrutiny Over Consumer Input

Posted on October 30, 2026 at 8:34 AM

Salcedo, Eastern Samar — While LGU Salcedo’s Executive Order No. 64, Series of 2026, is a welcome step toward organizing the local hog‑and‑pork market, it faces scrutiny for leaning too heavily toward the interests of local hog raisers without sufficient input from consumers.

The order, issued by Mayor Hon. Atty. Melchor L. Mergal, sets prescribed live‑weight buying rates for hogs and standard prices for pork products, while regulating hog movement to prevent African Swine Fever (ASF). Its stated goals include protecting local raisers’ livelihoods, stopping price manipulation, and safeguarding public health through stricter transport documentation.

Critics point out, however, that the initial price benchmarks appear to be drawn mainly from recommendations by hog raisers themselves — with no clear record of a formal consultative meeting where consumer groups, market vendors, and ordinary buyers could share their side.

A key concern raised by observers is the pricing gap versus hogs coming in from Davao. Even with added costs for fuel, manpower, and long‑distance hauling, Davao‑sourced hogs still sell cheaper in local markets compared to locally‑raised stock. This has led some to question whether the current prescribed rates follow the mandatory price‑regulation guidelines set by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Stakeholders acknowledge that supporting local raisers is vital to sustain Salcedo’s livestock sector. But they urge the municipal government to balance this priority: hold inclusive consultative sessions with consumer representatives, review price benchmarks against DTI standards, and ensure that the regulation protects both the livelihood of local producers and the household budgets of ordinary Salcedo residents.

Industry watchers add that price controls should not only shield local farmers from unfair competition — they must also prevent local prices from being set too high for consumers. Moving forward, LGU Salcedo is being called on to revisit the pricing provisions of EO No. 64 to reflect the needs of all market players.