NSCB Resolution No. 2
Series of 2003

PROVIDING MORE DETAILED INTERNATIONAL TRADE DATA
TO THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTER (ITC) AND
ENJOINING AGENCIES TO SEEK GUIDANCE FROM THE
BOARD ON RELEASING SENSITIVE/CRITICAL DATA

WHEREAS, the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) is continuing its efforts to improve the availability and usefulness of statistics in the Philippine Statistical System (PSS);

WHEREAS, this includes intensified cooperation with national statistical agencies and other data producing agencies in the country;

WHEREAS, the agencies in the PSS normally receive requests for various kinds of statistical information from international bodies;

WHEREAS, the NSCB received a letter from the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) requesting permission to provide the International Trade Center (ITC) with the country’s more detailed data on exports and imports at the lowest levels of disaggregation or at the 8-digit Harmonized System (HS) codes;

WHEREAS, as the coordinating body on government statistical matters, the NSCB Technical Staff sought consultation with the following agencies: National Statistics Office (NSO) the agency that compiles foreign trade statistics, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Tariff Commission (TC) and the Department of Agriculture (DA);

WHEREAS, the NSO, DTI, and TC did not pose any objection to the request, except that the DTI suggested the inclusion of a caveat that the Philippines provide such data only after being assured that all other participating countries also provide statistics at the same detailed level;

WHEREAS, the NSCB Technical Staff agrees with the position of the DTI to allow the UNSD to provide more detailed international trade data to the ITC with the caveat;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that the Board approve the provision of more detailed international trade statistics to the ITC with caveat.

BE IT RESOLVED FURTHER, that as a matter of policy, statistical agencies and other government agencies are hereby enjoined to seek guidance from the NSCB Executive Board before releasing sensitive/critical data that may have a bearing on the country’s national interest.

Approved this 23rd day of June 2003, in Pasig City.

ATTESTED BY:

ROMULO A. VIROLA
Secretary General