In a decisive move to protect Filipino consumers from rising food costs, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued Executive Order No. 116, significantly expanding the country’s pork import limits for the year.
The directive increases the 2026 Minimum Access Volume (MAV)—the specific quota of a commodity allowed into the country at a lower tariff rate—for pork meat from 54,210 metric tons (MT) to 204,210 MT. The 150,000 MT boost aims to directly address domestic supply shortages, stabilize market prices, and ensure that pork and processed meat products remain affordable.
This measure is a key component of the administration’s broader Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) agenda, established under EO 110 earlier this year. The UPLIFT framework mandates a whole-of-government approach to shield the Philippine economy and vulnerable sectors from the ripple effects of the ongoing Middle East crisis.
Under the food security pillar of this agenda, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and allied agencies are tasked with keeping essential commodities well-stocked and reasonably priced.
“There is an urgent need to address the existing supply gap in pork, ensure adequate and affordable food for consumers, and mitigate inflationary pressures,” President Marcos stated in the order.
To guarantee that the increased imports directly benefit everyday consumers rather than market speculators, EO 116 dictates a strict allocation framework for the additional volume:
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120,000 MT is earmarked for the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) and the Kadiwa ng Pangulo Program to supply subsidized, budget-friendly meat directly to communities.
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30,000 MT is designated for local food processors to keep manufacturing costs stable.
The MAV Management Committee (MMC) has recommended maintaining this elevated quota annually for a period of two years to provide a reliable cushion against prevailing supply constraints. President Marcos has directed the MMC to ensure these allocations are efficiently utilized to augment local supply and promote general consumer welfare.
Signed on behalf of the President by Acting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on May 19, 2026, Executive Order No. 116 takes effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. The formal implementation guidelines are scheduled for release within the next 30 days.
