The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has announced that imported frozen pork has entered Oriental Mindoro markets following an executive order that addresses meat shortages and stabilize rising prices in the province.

The move comes after Oriental Mindoro’s provincial government issued Executive Order No. 4, series of 2025, as a short-term measure to combat increasing meat costs.

“Imported frozen meat has now been allowed to enter the province. It has been granted permits and introduced to public markets,” Provincial Director Arnel Hutalla said during a recent Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum.

The imported products will be limited to frozen pork only, Hutalla reminded.

In recent months, Oriental Mindoro has experienced huge increases in pork prices, affecting families and businesses dependent on affordable meat products.

DTI said it will collaborate with the Department of Agriculture (DA) MIMAROPA to monitor prices.

Oriental Mindoro Governor Bonz Dolor has directed city and municipal agriculture offices to track pork prices in public markets and report findings to the Provincial Price Coordinating Council (PPCC).

Officials are carefully evaluating potential next steps regarding price controls.

“We need more data before making decisions,” Hutalla said.

PPCC has tasked DA MIMAROPA with studying the cost structure of meat products throughout the province before considering a price freeze or implementing the Price Act.

Hutalla expressed optimism that the importation will serve as a temporary solution, with the ultimate goal of market stabilization allowing local producers to eventually return to sustainable price points.

DTI pledged continued monitoring of the situation with policy adjustments as necessary to protect both consumers and Mindoro hog farmers.