KADIWA stores to get priority when pork MAV is expanded

GOVERNMENT-SUBSIDIZED stores in the Kadiwa network will obtain the bulk of pork imports entering the Philippines when the minimum access volume (MAV) for pork is expanded by 150,000 metric tons, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. said the DA is seeking an MAV Plus quota for pork imports ahead of the holiday season.

MAV items enter the country under favorable tariffs, which escalate for import volumes in excess of the quota.

“The volume that we are asking for under MAV Plus is 150,000 tons. But the majority of this will only be sold to Kadiwa,” he said, noting that the Kadiwa platform will be leveraged to influence the market price for pork.

About 100,000 MT will go to Kadiwa stores, and 30,000 MT to meat processors to stabilize the price of canned goods, he said.

The DA plans to ask meat processors to reduce prices once the pork shipments arrive, he added.

“What we’re trying to do is approve all of this so that by December, rice and pork will be cheaper,” there will be less of a spike, and Christmas will be easier for all of us.”

Mr. Laurel said there will also be an allocation for the food services industry.

The Meat Importers and Traders Association supports imports of at least 200,000 MT in excess of MAV for three years to address what it said is inadequate swine production.

Mr. Laurel said the proposal has been discussed with Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto.

“It’s already in Malacañang and more or less okay,” he said.

“The rules say that if Congress doesn’t act on this within 15 days, it is considered approved,” he added.

The proposed MAV Plus scheme will be in effect for the whole year. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza