Prices of roasted pig (lechon) in La Loma — widely known as the Lechon Capital of the Philippines — are expected to increase by ₱500 to ₱1,500 as local lechon houses adjust to new regulations imposed by the Quezon City government.

RH Val Gonzales reports that the policy, enforced in coordination with the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), now prohibits the slaughter of pigs within La Loma unless a lechon establishment has an upgraded and compliant slaughterhouse.

Under the new rules, all pigs delivered to La Loma must stay in each lechonan’s holding area for 24 hours before they can be processed, a measure intended to tighten sanitary and disease-control protocols.

A lechon house owner expressed support for the policy despite the challenges it brings.

“Very good naman ito. Inu-upgrade nila kami sa dating nakagawian namin,” he said, noting that they previously depended on weekly supplies of pork stock delivered directly to their shops.

For now, only four lechon houses have reopened, offering limited stocks due to restricted supply and new operational costs. Each pig brought to an NMIS-certified facility incurs a minimum additional expense of ₱600, contributing to the expected price hike.

Lechoneros also face rising overhead costs — including purchasing cold storage units, hiring butchers and roasters (about ₱650 per day), and shouldering expenses for charcoal, electricity, and water.

Because of these added requirements, lechon business owners are appealing for public understanding, emphasizing that compliance is necessary even if it temporarily affects supply and pricing.

Several establishments in La Loma were closed in November 12 following ASF-related concerns that prompted the city to enforce stricter meat inspection measures.