Hogs production up in 2% despite ASF

MANILA, Philippines —The local production of hogs rose two percent to 551,620 metric tons in the third quarter even with the entry of the African swine fever in the country.

Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the growth was due to increases in slaughtering activities and early disposal of stocks in Cagayan Valley, Mimaropa, and Zamboanga Peninsula due to the fear of being affected by ASF.

There was also higher average liveweight of hogs disposed of in Calabarzon, Western Visayas and Central Visayas, as well as higher demand for pork in Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen and Caraga.

Total swine inventory declined by nearly one percent to 13.01 million heads.

Inventory in backyard farms contracted by 1.7 percent, while commercial farms inched up 0.6 percent.

Among the regions, Central Luzon recorded the highest in terms of production and was followed by Calabarzon and Western Visayas. The three regions contributed 44.6 percent to the country’s total hog production.

During the period, 11 regions recorded increases in production compared to 2018 levels. Among these regions, Calabarzon reported the highest growth at 8.4 percent.

Average farmgate price of live hogs for slaughter decreased by 10 percent to P103.66 per kilo this year.

During the quarter, the gross value of hog production was P57.2 billion or nine percent lower year on year.

On the other hand, chicken production increased 8.5 percent to 465,150 MT due to higher demand for broiler chicken in Central Luzon and Calabarzon.

There was also sustained local demand for native and improved chicken and broiler chicken in Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao and Davao Region.

According to the PSA, most of the regions posted positive growth in production with Central Luzon remaining as the top chicken producer contributing 35 percent of the total production.

This was followed by Calabarzon and Northern Mindanao, accounting for 19 percent and eight percent, respectively. Of the total chicken produced in the country, more than half or 62.2 percent were from these regions.

Total chicken inventory was estimated at 192.8 million birds, down one percent year-on-year. Native and broiler chickens posted declines while layer chickens went up by 4.3 peAverage farm gate price was recorded at P84.58 per kilo,  three percent lower than last year.

The gross value of chicken production increased by six percent to P43.4 billion.