ZAMBOANGA CITY – The City Veterinary Office (CVO) of the local government here assured the people of this city that there will be no shortage of meat in the local market during the entire Yuletide season.

Officials of the CVO issued the assurance after local residents here expressed apprehension regarding the possible shortage of meat during the long Christmas season.

The city veterinarian assured that there is a sufficient supply of meat in the local market and meat houses here.

Tess Santos, administrative officer I of the veterinary office, said that based on their records, there is a sufficient supply of meat – chicken, pork and beef – for the people of this city during the holiday period.

Meanwhile, it was gathered that at present, prices of meat now sold at the local markets here are between P130 to P145 per kilo for chicken, pork at P150 to P160 per kilo, and beef at P150 to P210 per kilo.

Some residents have complained that prices of meat here have sky-rocketed as the Yuletide season started.

According to Santos, the reason for the increase in the prices of meat was mainly due to the wholesalers who distribute their goods to the retailers in this city.

It was also gathered that pig raisers in this city now sell live pigs at between P105 to P110 per kilo.

While supplies coming from the nearby provinces are sold from P90 to P100 per kilo, and for hogs with sizes good for making roosted pig – lechon – prices are peg at P130 per kilo.

In another development, the government has called on the public to be vigilant in buying meat and meat products that might come from double-dead pigs.