NSCB Resolution No. 9
Series of 2010

DECLARING SUPPORT TO THE
ASEAN FRAMEWORK OF COOPERATION IN STATISTICS

WHEREAS, there is anticipated increased and more diverse demand for ASEAN statistics at the national and regional levels emanating from the ratification of the ASEAN Charter and the expressed commitment of ASEAN Leaders to accelerate ASEAN integration through the Roadmap for the Establishment of the ASEAN Community by 2015;

WHEREAS, there is a need to develop relevant indicators and compile timely and comparable statistics in support of evidenced-based policy making, planning and monitoring in the three pillars of the ASEAN Community―the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC), ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC);

WHEREAS, recognizing that an efficient and responsive statistical system requires good governance, strong and reliable institutions, competent human resources, sound statistical infrastructure, and adequate investment, the Ninth ASEAN Heads of Statistical Offices Meeting (AHSOM) in January 2009 has agreed on a Broad Sustainable Framework for the Development of ASEAN Statistics to guide its strategic planning process;

WHEREAS, the Tenth AHSOM in January 2010 has agreed to enhance the ASEAN Framework of Cooperation in Statistics to strengthen the organizational framework and statistical capacity of ASEAN towards the establishment of ASEAN Community Statistical System (ACSS) by 2015 that is able to produce timely and comparable statistics in support of the ASEAN Community;

WHEREAS, the envisioned ACSS shall comprise the ACSS Committee as the highest regional policy making and coordinating body on ASEAN statistics, the national statistical systems of all ASEAN Member States, ASEAN Secretariat through ASEANstats as regional focal point and technical arm and secretariat of the ACSS Committee, and the ASEAN Community Councils as primary stakeholders;

WHEREAS, the Framework defines the scope and strategies for (a) hastening organizational development of the envisioned ACSS; (b) effective strategic planning and monitoring for ASEAN statistics; (c) technical cooperation on the development and harmonization of key/priority ASEAN statistics; (d) institutional capacity building, key infrastructure improvement and human resource development; and (e) more effective stakeholder communication at the national and regional levels;

WHEREAS, the Philippine Statistical System (PSS) as an essential part of the ACSS needs to be prepared for and to actively participate and contribute in the establishment of a well-functioning and effective ACSS and thus, the statistical capacities of the PSS should be strengthened in order to respond to the increased data needs and other requirements of the ASEAN;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that the Board endorse the adoption of the ASEAN Framework of Cooperation in Statistics and declare support to its implementation towards the establishment of the ACSS by 2015.

BE IT RESOLVED FURTHER that the Philippines stress during the 4th ASCC Meeting on 13-17 August 2010, the importance of ensuring that the Framework be forward looking and flexible in order to promote its relevance amidst the rapid socioeconomic developments in the global community.

Approved this 11th day of August 2010, in Pasig City.

Attested by:

ROMULO A. VIROLA
Secretary General