African swine fever has resulted in extensive mortality, especially among hogs raised by small-scale producers in areas surrounding major urban centers including Manilla. The Government has launched the Integrated National Swine Production Initiative for Recovery and Expansion to compensate for hogs succumbing to the infection. Since the laws of supply and demand still pertain in the Philippines, prices have risen sharply attaining $3.75 per pound for pork belly, approximately twice the normal rate. Inflation in food costs are evident, resulting in criticism of the Government.
As an inappropriate response, the government imposed a $2.80 per pound price cap on pork for a 60-day period. Predictably pork disappeared from stores and was diverted into a thriving black market. Generally a “cheap food” policy mandated by any 
government rapidly morphs into a “no food” situation. The Government could alleviate the problem by reducing the 30 percent import duty on pork, making the product available to satisfy demand.
The Economist March 6th.Edition referred to the Government response as a “pig mistake” and characterized the action as “ham-fisted”. Trite and stylistic but makes light of hunger and malnutrition.