Negros hog raisers hopeful for holiday rebound

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Members of the Alliance of Hog Raisers Association of Negros Occidental (AHRANO) are optimistic about recovering from losses caused by African Swine Fever (ASF), anticipating higher pork demand and prices during the holiday season.

AHRANO President Rick Lauron said on Friday that pork prices are expected to increase between November and December due to heightened consumer demand.

“We are projecting that raisers can recover their profit during the holiday months because of the demand, which will also trigger prices to increase,” Lauron said.

He added that local hog raisers are now ramping up production to prepare for the holiday rush.

“Our multiplier and backyard farms are working together to ensure enough supply for the coming months, and many are doubling their stocks in anticipation of the demand,” Lauron said, assuring that Negros Occidental will have sufficient pork supply.

Lauron noted a recent dip in live weight prices, which have dropped by PHP 5 to PHP 10 per kilogram in the province.

Current farmgate rates range from PHP 150 to PHP 160 per kilo, down from PHP 160 to PHP 165 in previous months, although retail market prices remain relatively high.

Monitoring data show that pork sells for PHP 300 to PHP 320 per kilo in Himamaylan and Binalbagan, while in Bacolod City, prices range from PHP 280 to PHP 300.

Lauron clarified that prices vary depending on locality and market dynamics.

“The live weight price still depends on the agreement between raisers and buyers. Sometimes, when there’s enough supply, market butchers tend to lower their prices just to sell their stocks,” he explained.

Despite steady demand, Lauron acknowledged that rising input costs—such as feeds, medicines, and fuel—continue to limit profitability for many backyard and commercial hog raisers in the province.

Still, he remains hopeful that the holiday season will bring much-needed relief and renewed momentum for Negros Occidental’s hog industry.