ILOILO CITY | July 26, 2022 – Regional Officer (RO) Noel Negre presented the practices in conducting fertilizer price monitoring system to 30 participants during the Regional Bantay Presyo Monitoring Meeting held last July 22, 2022 at MO2 Westown, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

The fertilizer watch system inputs pertinent data such as the fertilizer stock inventory and country of origin with product registration in a web application. This will serve as a guide to efficiently monitor the fertilizer prices. “The fertilizer watch system helps the Agency and the Department of Agriculture to know the latest trends in the fertilizer prices in the region. In addition, it helps us understand the prices at each level affecting its cost from importers down to dealer’s level,” Mr. Negre said.

He also mentioned that FPA encourages cooperatives to engage in imports to increase market competition and they can function as distributors or dealers of fertilizers and pesticides.

Moreover, Provincial Officer (PO) Ryan Gelladula was designated as a permanent member of the Regional Bantay Presyo Monitoring Team (RBPMT) with PO Emanuel Barrida as his alternate per FPA Special Order No. 181 s. 2022.

Per D.A. A.O. No.7 series of 2020 of IRR of R.A. 7581 in relation to basic necessities and prime agricultural commodities, RBPMT shall conduct regular price and supply monitoring of agricultural commodities at all levels of the supply chain from farm gate to various public and private markets, stores, supermarkets, and other establishments where agricultural commodities are sold. The RBPMT in Western Visayas shall determine the price trends, provide a basis for establishing suggested retail prices and/or price ceiling, develop a data system on prices, identify and investigate causes of market and price irregularities and identify violations and violators of the Price Act.

The meeting was spearheaded by D.A. AMAS and RBPMT members, which include BAI, BPI, BFAR, NMIS, SRA, FPA, NFA, DA Banner Programs, and RAFC. ###