MANILA, March 17 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday announced plans to buy and sell local pork, through the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI), to provide a cheaper option for Filipino consumers.

Prices of retail pork remained elevated despite its agreement with industry stakeholders to set a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP).

The MSRP for pork was initially set at PHP350 per kilogram of kasim (ham); PHP380/kg for liempo (belly); and PHP300/kg for "sabit-ulo," which refers to the price at which traders sell pork to retailers.

In a press conference, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said government intervention will be in place if high retail prices persist.

"Isa sa mga plano ang (One of the plans of) FTI will al...