MANILA, Dec. 5 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday imposed a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) of less than PHP400 for pork ahead of the holiday season.

Under the DA's administrative circular, the MSRP for pork liempo (belly) is PHP370 per kg., and for pigue (ham) and kasim (shoulder), PHP330 per kg.

In a statement, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the move aims to ensure stable pork prices in local markets following a series of consultations with hog industry stakeholders across the value chain.

"We have to restore some sanity in the retail price of pork, a favorite protein source among Filipinos that is in high demand, especially during the Christmas season," he said.

Pork belly prices have spiked to as hig...