LOOK FOR NMIS CERTIFICATES WHEN BUYING MEAT FROM WET MARKETS - DTI

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez led the price monitoring of pork, fish, and other agricultural products in three markets in Quezon City last 19 September in the midst of the African Swine Fever (ASF) affecting some areas of Bulacan and Rizal. Sec. Lopez said consumers should ask market vendors for their National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) certificates. This ensures that the products they are buying are clean and safe for consumption. During the price monitoring, DTI found that pork prices are at PHP220/kilo, chicken is at PHP160/kilo and galunggong at PHP180/kilo. DTI monitors prices of agricultural products, as well as basic necessities and prime commodities, every day to check if prices are reasonable. Sec. Lopez encouraged consumers to raise price and consumer concerns to DTI through its 1-DTI (1-384) hotline. Also present at the monitoring trips were DTI Assistant Secretary Ann Claire Cabochan, DTI Director Ronnel Abrenica, DA Director Junibert De Sagun, and NFA Central District Manager Evelyn Medalla.