Chicken prices remain stable amid bird flu scare

Amid fears over the spread of the H5N1 avian flu virus in some countries, the prices of chicken the Philippines, particularly in Metro Manila, remained stable. Radio dzBB's Glen Juego reported that chicken prices at the Marikina City public market remained at P115 to P120 per kilo. The report said prices of pork also emained stable at P165 per kilo and beef at P220 to P230/ per kilo. Even prices of vegetables continued to stabilize after tropical storm "Mina battered Northern Luzon where much of Metro Manila's vegetable supply comes from. The prices of potatoes, ampalaya, string beans and squash were at P30 per kilo; eggplants at P32 per kilo; onions at P60 per kilo, garlic at P52 per kilo; carrots at P45 per kilo; cabbage at P35 per kilo; papaya at P18 per kilo; and tomatoes at P32 per kilo. However, cooking oil prices rose from P80 to P90 per liter although sugar remained stable at P45 per kilo. Last weekend, Malacañang assured the public all steps are being taken to prevent carriers of the H5N1 virus from entering the Philippines. - VVP, GMA News