The United Broiler Raisers Association (UBRA) said Monday the Philippines has sufficient chicken supplies, disputing recurring claims of shortages that often prompt importation.
The association also urged the public to be cautious when buying poultry products, particularly imported frozen chicken sold in wet markets.
UBRA technical committee head Dr. Rolly dela Torre said the perceived shortage is often linked to price and specific product requirements rather than actual supply volume.
“From the ground and field operations, I would say we have enough supply,” he said.
“Sometimes processors say there’s none available, but that’s because they’re looking for certain cuts, like breast meat for canned goods, and they prefer imports when local prices are not competitive,” said dela Torre.
Dela Torre said government importation policies are largely based on Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data, which may not always reflect conditions on farms.
“According to PSA data reviewed by [National Economic and Development Authority] NEDA and the economic managers, there’s a shortage. But if you ask the producers, we have enough,” he said, adding that demand spikes only during festive seasons and when pork prices rise.
The National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) reported that nearly 70 percent of the current supply in 2025 came from imports.
UBRA chairman Elias Jose Inciong said that while imported products should comply with strict regulations in their country of origin, an existing law or administrative order prohibits the sale of frozen products in markets without freezers. Othel V. Campos
“Thawing and refreezing make the product susceptible to Salmonella. If you thaw it, you must cook it—and no one in wet markets really has freezers,” Inciong said.
He said proper education, strict implementation of laws and more funding and manpower for NMIS to monitor wet markets would help create a sustainable market for safe chicken.
Dela Torre suggested that efficient cold chain facilities and proper refrigeration be in place to keep imported frozen chicken safe, and compliance with the Food Safety Act and NMIS regulations on handling frozen meat be strictly observed.
Experts have warned that frozen products, while cheaper due to extended shelf life, pose higher risks of contamination. Medical practitioners noted that freezing does not kill bacteria; it only suspends growth.
“Warm chicken, as long as it is freshly slaughtered and still warm, is less prone to bacteria. But once it cools down and is left exposed, bacteria can begin to grow,” Dela Torre said, highlighting the Filipino preference for freshly dressed chicken over frozen products.
