Davao city: Monitoring agricultural product prices is now faster and more efficient with the rollout of the Bantay Presyo Monitoring System (BPMS) 3.0, the Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA-11) announced Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the upgrade follows training sessions for DA's Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) staff and Price Supply Monitors (PSMs), who tested the new digital system during a market monitoring activity at Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City on Wednesday.

DA-11 senior agriculturist Agnes Cecilia Roble highlighted that real-time data collection enables DA to track market prices more effectively and respond quickly to sudden changes and supply concerns. "This new system will benefit consumers by helping them compare prices, plan purchases, and make better buying decisions," Roble said in an interview.

Unlike the old process, BPMS 3.0 allows data collectors to input prices directly into the system using mobile phones while still in the market. "This speeds up data submission and makes price reports available more quickly," Roble added.

The simulation covered the full process - from data entry to validation, verification, and reporting of daily market prices - and helped identify areas for improvement before full implementation. Roble emphasized that farmers, traders, retailers, and LGUs can also use the data to understand market trends and refine marketing strategies.

The BPMS forms part of DA's continuing effort to modernize market price monitoring through digital technology. It aims to promote fair pricing, improve transparency, and protect both producers and consumers. Under Republic Act (RA) 7581, as amended by RA 10623 (Price Act), DA is mandated to monitor, regulate, and stabilize the prices of essential agricultural goods, especially during emergencies or unreasonable price surges.