President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved a sharp increase in the country’s pork import volume for 2026 to help address supply gaps, stabilize market prices, and ease inflationary pressure on basic goods.
Under Executive Order No. 116, signed on May 19, the minimum access volume or MAV for pork meat this year was raised from 54,210 metric tons to 204,210 metric tons, effectively adding 150,000 metric tons to the allowable import volume.
Of the additional volume, 30,000 metric tons will be allocated to processors, while 120,000 metric tons will go to Food Terminal Inc. or the KADIWA ng Pangulo Program.
The order said there is an urgent need to address the existing pork supply gap, ensure adequate and affordable food for consumers, and mitigate inflationary pressures.
Malacañang cited the continued spread of African Swine Fever, which has significantly reduced the national swine inventory, resulting in a substantial supply shortfall and persistently elevated pork prices. The supply strain, it said, has led to higher food costs that adversely affect consumers.
The MAV Management Committee had recommended increasing the MAV for pork by 150,000 metric tons annually for a period of two years to address prevailing supply constraints and price pressures. The committee said the move would help ensure the continued availability and affordability of pork and processed meat products and mitigate further inflationary pressure on basic commodities.
The order also linked the import volume increase to the government’s broader efforts to safeguard economic stability and contain price increases in essential goods. It cited Executive Order No. 110, s. 2026, which declared a state of national energy emergency and directed a whole-of-government approach, including mandating the Department of Agriculture to ensure the adequate supply and availability of food products at the lowest possible cost.
Marcos had submitted to Congress a proposal to increase the pork MAV to augment supply, reduce retail prices, and stabilize inflation, as provided under Republic Act No. 8178 or the Agricultural Tariffication Act. However, the order said Congress did not act on the proposal within the prescribed period, allowing the adjustment to proceed.
The MAV Management Committee was directed to issue the implementing guidelines within 30 days from the effectivity of the order. The guidelines must ensure that the allocations for Food Terminal Inc. and the KADIWA ng Pangulo Program are efficiently used and implemented in line with the objectives of the MAV Plus mechanism, particularly in augmenting domestic supply, stabilizing market prices, and promoting consumer welfare.
Executive Order No. 116 takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.