Production of pigs and cattle in the country increased significantly in the first quarter of this year, which indicates sufficient supplies for the domestic market.

Cattle production reached 61,310 tons, compared with 61,260 tons a year earlier, according to the Cattle Statistical Report of the Philippines (PSA).

Cattle production growth was recorded in nine regions of the country. “The largest increase in production was recorded in the North Mindanao region, from 9,807 metric tons in live weight in 2018 to 10,027 metric tons in live weight in 2019,” the Philippines Statistical Office (PSA) said in a statement.

From January to March this year, Northern Mindanao showed an increase of 10,027 tons. In terms of growth, it was followed by the Ilocos and Central Visayas regions with 6,990 tons and 6074 tons, respectively.

These regions accounted for 37.7 percent of Philippine's local livestock production. As of early April, the total stock of livestock in the Philippines was 2.54 million head, which is 0.7 percent less than the previous year, when 2.55 million head was recorded.