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The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has sent a research team to the Philippine Rice Research Institute in Nueva Ecija to evaluate the potential of the Philippine Rice Information System (PRiSM) in managing inflation. PRiSM utilizes satellite Synthetic Aperture Radar sensing to collect rice field data, which is unaffected by cloud cover. This data has an overall accuracy of up to 95%, verified through ground validation using a mobile application to record and upload data efficiently.

PRiSM relies on SAR images provided by the satellite Sentinel-1A, with the upcoming launch of Sentinel-1C expected to further enhance its operations. By utilizing PRiSM’s data, NEDA aims to augment its sources of information for better inflation policy analysis, especially regarding rice, the country’s staple, and its vulnerability to volatile weather conditions.

Compared to the quarterly data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), PRiSM can provide validated rice field data to registered stakeholders every 7th day of the succeeding month. This more frequent and accurate data can enhance policy recommendations on inflation.

PRiSM also has the capability to process secondary data, such as information collected using drones, in cases where SAR images are insufficient. The compiled data is presented in the form of rice area maps, revealing the locations of rice planting, timing, estimated yield, areas affected by flooding, and those impacted by drought.

Although currently applicable only to rice, there is potential for PRiSM’s technology and methodology to be adapted for monitoring other crops, as suggested by the NEDA. Since its full operation in 2018, PRiSM has played a crucial role in assisting the Department of Agriculture with data-driven decision-making in policy formulation and planning.

As the chair of the Inter-Agency Committee on Inflation and Market Outlook, NEDA aims to provide high-level policy advice by analyzing timely data. The evaluation of PRiSM’s potential is a proactive step towards managing inflation effectively.

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