Post-Holiday Relief: Chicken Prices in Davao City Return to More Affordable Levels
Consumers in Davao City are breathing a sigh of relief as chicken prices have significantly eased following the December holiday rush. After spiking during the peak Christmas and year-end gathering season, poultry costs have now normalized as demand stabilizes and supplies become more consistent across local markets.
Market Variations and Price Comparisons
Current chicken prices show considerable variation depending on several factors including the specific cut, preparation method, and purchasing location. Public wet markets, particularly the renowned Bankerohan Public Market, continue to offer the most budget-friendly options for shoppers. These traditional markets provide significantly better value compared to pre-cut and branded chicken products available in supermarkets and other retail outlets throughout the city.
The December price surge saw increases of at least ₱20 per kilogram across most chicken cuts as families stocked up for festive celebrations. During this peak period, regular whole chickens commanded approximately ₱200 per kilo, while branded frozen whole chickens reached even higher price points. Various cut chicken pieces ranged from ₱190 to as much as ₱220 per kilogram during the holiday season.
Current Price Breakdown Across Different Cuts
As of late January 2026, chicken prices have settled into more stable patterns, though significant differences remain between various cuts and processing levels:
- Regular whole chicken now sells for approximately ₱240 per kilogram
- Branded frozen whole chicken costs around ₱260 per kilogram
- Bone-in chicken breast is priced at ₱264 per kilogram
- Boneless chicken breast, popular for its convenience, remains substantially higher at ₱387 per kilogram
- Chicken drumsticks and thighs offer more affordable options at ₱123 per half kilogram
Specialty Products Maintain Premium Pricing
Specialty and processed chicken products continue to command premium prices in the Davao market. Native whole chicken sells for about ₱440 per kilogram, while various processed cuts range from ₱306 to as much as ₱840 per kilogram, depending on packaging specifications and weight considerations.
At Bankerohan Public Market, whole chicken currently sells for as low as ₱178 per kilogram, representing both a decrease from December levels and a more economical alternative to pre-cut or branded chicken available elsewhere in the city. A chicken vendor at the market expressed optimism about continuing favorable pricing conditions, noting that prices have become more advantageous for buyers after the holidays and may potentially decrease further throughout the year.
Vegetable Prices Rise Amid Supply Challenges
While poultry prices show improvement, vegetable costs have begun trending upward due to challenging weather conditions affecting local agriculture. Vendors attribute the price increases to hot weather reducing supply from farming areas, with specific vegetables experiencing notable cost hikes.
Cabbage and Chinese cabbage have increased from ₱20 per kilogram last week to ₱30 per kilogram currently. Prolonged heat has diminished harvest volumes from upland farms, while farmgate prices have risen by approximately ₱5 per kilogram, creating upward pressure on retail pricing throughout the supply chain.
Broader Inflation Context and Future Outlook
The vegetable price increases reflect broader food inflation trends in Davao City. According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority-Davao Region, the vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas, and pulses category recorded an inflation rate of 15.0 percent in December 2025, up from 11.6 percent in November.
Market vendors indicate that vegetable prices could continue rising if hot weather persists and supply remains constrained. However, they anticipate stabilization once weather conditions improve and harvest volumes recover to normal levels. Some vegetables, including carrots, have maintained relatively stable pricing despite the challenging conditions affecting other produce items.
Shoppers looking to maximize their food budgets can benefit from selecting whole chicken or basic cuts, which remain the most economical poultry options. The current market situation presents a mixed picture for Davao consumers, with improving chicken affordability contrasted by rising vegetable costs due to agricultural supply challenges.
