THE British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) welcomed the government’s decision to increase the Minimum Access Volume (MAV) for imported pork following the issuance of Executive Order 16 by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., raising the MAV allocation from 54,210 metric tons to 204,210 metric tons.
The increase comes amid continuing supply constraints caused by African swine fever, which has significantly reduced the country’s swine inventory and contributed to elevated pork prices and inflationary pressures.
BCCP said the increase is a significant step toward strengthening food security, improving supply stability and enhancing market competition amid continuing inflationary pressures and domestic supply constraints.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. earlier noted that the expanded MAV would help create a more level playing field and lower pork prices for consumers through increased competition.
Under EO 116, 120,000 metric tons are allocated for the Food Terminal Inc. under the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program, while 30,000 metric tons are allotted for processors.
BCCP Executive Vice Chairman Chris Nelson welcomed the increase in the overall MAV allocation, noting that it supports food security objectives, improves market competition, and helps stabilize pork supply, while emphasizing the chamber’s continued interest in discussions with the Department of Agriculture and relevant MAV stakeholders on allocation mechanisms to ensure transparency and long-term supply sustainability.
In partnership with the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, BCCP has facilitated eight trade missions since 2021 aimed at strengthening UK-Philippine agricultural and food trade relations.