This Privacy Policy describes how Project SARAI (Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the Philippines) — hereafter “SARAI”, “we”, “us”, or “our” — collects, uses, and protects information when you use the Bantay SARAI mobile application (the “App”). By downloading, installing, or using the App, you agree to the practices described in this policy.
1. Information We Collect
Bantay SARAI is designed to provide agricultural weather and crop advisory information. We aim to collect as little personal information as possible.
- Account information. Using the App requires you to create an account. When you register, we collect the information you provide, such as your name and email address, so we can identify you and secure your account.
- Location data (GPS). With your permission, the App may access your device’s approximate or precise GPS location to display site-specific weather conditions, rainfall outlooks, and crop advisories relevant to your area, and to tag the farm reports you submit. You may deny or revoke this permission at any time through your device settings; the App will continue to function with manually selected locations.
- Photos. With your permission, the App may access your device’s camera and photo library so you can take a new photo or upload an existing one and attach it to the farm reports and observations you choose to submit. We collect only the photos you capture or upload through the App. You may deny or revoke this permission at any time through your device settings.
- Device and usage information. We may collect non-identifying technical information such as device model, operating system version, app version, and anonymized usage statistics to diagnose problems and improve the App.
- Information you provide. If you contact us or submit feedback, farm reports, or inquiries, we collect the information you choose to share, which may include your name and email address.
The App does not collect sensitive personal information such as your contacts, SMS messages, or financial data.
2. How We Use Information
- To deliver localized weather, drought, and rainfall information;
- To generate and display crop advisories relevant to your location;
- To maintain, troubleshoot, and improve the App;
- To respond to your inquiries, feedback, or support requests;
- To produce aggregated, anonymized statistics for research purposes.
3. Sharing of Information
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share information only in the following limited circumstances:
- With service providers who host our data and infrastructure, solely to operate the App and under obligations of confidentiality;
- In aggregated or anonymized form that cannot be used to identify you, for research, reporting, and program development;
- When required by law, regulation, legal process, or a valid government request.
4. Data Retention and Security
We retain information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy or as required by law. We apply reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
5. Third-Party Services
The App may rely on third-party data sources and services (for example, weather and climate data providers). These services operate under their own privacy policies, and we encourage you to review them. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third parties.
6. Children’s Privacy
The App is intended for use by farmers, agricultural stakeholders, and the general public. It is not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
7. Your Rights
Consistent with the Philippine Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173), you have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of your personal information, and to withdraw consent for its processing. To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details below.
8. Data Deletion Request
Bantay SARAI requires you to create an account. The data associated with your use of the App is:
- your account information, such as your name and email address;
- GPS location data used to show advisories for your area;
- photos you capture or upload and attach to farm reports;
- anonymized device and usage information; and
- any information you voluntarily send us (such as feedback or farm reports).
The easiest way to request deletion is through our Data Deletion Request form. Alternatively, you may send an email to sarai.centro.uplb@up.edu.ph with the subject line “Data Deletion Request”. Please describe the information you would like removed so we can locate it. We will process verified requests and delete the associated data within 30 days, except where we are required to retain it by law.
Uninstalling Bantay SARAI from your device immediately stops all further data collection and removes any data cached locally on your device. To also delete your account and the data stored on our servers, please send a Data Deletion Request as described above.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with a revised “Last updated” date. Your continued use of the App after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
10. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact us at:
Project SARAI
University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna,
Philippines
Email:
sarai.centro.uplb@up.edu.ph
Website: https://sarai.ph