Aklan vet sees ‘lechon’ shortage
KALIBO, Aklan – A shortage in baboy, or roasted pig, is expected this summer,
lechon according to the provincial veterinarian.
The insufficient supply of hogs may lead to a shortage in and other pork products, especially in May,
lechon the month of fiestas, according to Provincial Veterinary Office head Dr. Mabel Sinel.
“Last year we had sufficient supply of pork in markets because many hog raisers received dole-outs for being survivors of super typhoon ‘ Yolanda,’” said Sinel. “The abundance of pigs caused pork prices to go down to as low as P120 per kilo.”
“Yolanda” struck Western Visayas, including Aklan, in November 2013.
Currently a kilo of pork costs an average of P180.
“[ But] because of the decrease in prices, our hog raisers were discouraged from producing more,” Sinel said on Tuesday.
is commonly served during fiestas in several towns
Lechon and barangays in Aklan every May.
Numancia even holds an annual Lechon Festival from May 2 to 3.
“Another factor contributing to the low pork supply is the increasing demand in Boracay,” said Sinel. “Several residents also raise hogs for their own consumption or to be served during fiestas.”