Dumaguete city: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Negros Oriental is urging business establishments to sign up for its 'e-Presyo' program to allow consumers access to prevailing prices of basic necessities and prime commodities. Krystle Jade Bato, spokesperson and OIC chief of the Consumer Protection Division of DTI-Negros Oriental, on Thursday said nine of the 11 establishments in this capital city have already signed up for the e-Presyo program.

According to Philippines News Agency, the 'e-Presyo' is the DTI's Online Price Monitoring System, which helps consumers monitor and access prevailing and even real-time prices. Bato noted that despite the electronic platform, DTI price monitoring teams continue to conduct in-person monitoring of 186 firms across the province, including supermarkets, retailers, grocery stores, and even hardware and construction supply outlets.

Bato emphasized that the electronic version of price monitoring will save time and provide easy access to prices. The e-Presyo website offers several features for consumers, although DTI is currently focused on price monitoring. The DTI-Negros Oriental recently acknowledged the nine establishments that are actively participating in the e-Presyo program.

A memorandum of agreement was also signed between the DTI and the establishments for the voluntary encoding of price data for monitoring purposes to ensure price stability and market integrity in Negros Oriental.