To help bring down prices during the holiday season, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is planning to channel most of the pork imports under the proposed Minimum Access Volume (MAV) Plus to Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) outlets.

MAV, an import system for commodities’ entry, sets the tariff for imported pork at 15 percent, much lower than the 25 percent tariff rate outside MAV.

In an ambush interview on Wednesday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said they are seeking about 150,000 metric tons of imported pork under lower tariffs.

“The majority of this will be sold only through the Kadiwa system to help lower pork prices to a more reasonable level,” he explained.

The move aims to give consumers access to more affordable pork through KNP centers and accredited sites, especially as prices of pork in local markets remain high.

“Once this is approved, come December, there will be cheaper rice, cheaper pork, less spikes. So, this will be an early Christmas for all of us,” he said.

As of May 28, the prices of pork ham (kasim) in Metro Manila range from PHP320/kg. to PHP410/kg.; while PHP360/kg. to PHP480/kg. for pork belly (liempo), according to the DA-Bantay Presyo.

Of the proposed 150,000 MT pork imports under MAV Plus, 100,000 MT will go to KNP outlets, 30,000 MT to meat processors, and the rest to the food service industry.

The DA has already submitted the proposal to the Office of the President after discussions with the Department of Finance.

“From what I understand, if Congress does not act on it within 15 days, it is considered approved,” Laurel said.

The proposed MAV Plus is set to cover a full year starting in August. (PNA)