MANILA, Jan. 31 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday assured actions are being taken to avert a looming shortage and consequent egg price hike in the second quarter of the year.

The looming shortage is due to the effects of last year's losses due to oversupply and a drop in egg prices.

In an ambush interview, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. last year's losses forced some local producers to cull their layers, leading to a decrease in the population of egg-laying hens.

"Bumagsak ang presyo sa farm gate ng PHP4 na piso bawat piraso. Maraming nalugi. Iyong mga nalugi naman, kinatay nila yung mga layers nila para magkaroon ng (The farmgate prices dropped to PHP4 per piece. Many suffered losses. Those who experience...