The DA-BAFS Standards Research Division (SRD) Team visited Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr. last May 6th to obtain vital information for the development of the Philippine National Standard (PNS) for Native Pork Cuts. The BAFS team is collecting information on traditional butchering, processing, and pricing in barangays Gonogon, Bontoc Ili, Can-eo, and Mainit.

Senior Science Research Specialist Melissa Astillero explained that this local understandingwill be fused with information from other areas to generate a scientific foundation for national standards. Mayor Tudlong expressed his support, noting the potential benefits for local farmers and consumers through standardized cuts and pricing.

The BAFS team, with support from DA-CAR and the Provincial Veterinary Office, will continue fieldwork on May 7th. This initiative aims to establish consistent meat cut definitions and pricing, ultimately boosting the competitiveness of the native pork industry nationwide. ###