The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) successfully conducted the Task Force Training on Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Form 5: Geotagging and Processing of Service Institutions and Infrastructure, Government Projects, and Natural Resources from 27 February to 03 March 2023. The event was intended to capacitate Central Office and Field Office personnel who will serve as trainers and supervisors during the training of hired field personnel for the CBMS mapping and processing activities.

The workshop, which was attended by the PSA field office's mapping focal persons and organized by the CBMS Geospatial Management Division led by Officer-in-Charge Cherry Ann N. Barrientos, was conducted both online through videoconferencing and onsite at the Park Inn by Radisson in Quezon City.

The geotagging of service institutions and infrastructure, government projects, and natural resources is one of the key activities under the CBMS. As defined in Republic Act No. 11315 or the CBMS Act, this activity is essential in identifying gaps in the delivery of basic services and in making informed decisions around resource allocation, allowing both the government and the citizenry to check progress of projects in real time.

During the five-day training, the participants had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the Geographic Information System (GIS) concepts and definitions, as well as the use of QGIS and QField applications which are essential in the facilitation of CBMS geotagging activities. The event also served as an avenue to build strategies, address technical issues, and administer the processing of maps which seeks to ensure accuracy and veracity of the performed mapping exercises

The training is part of PSA’s efforts to ensure that procedures in CBMS geotagging activities are followed and consistent throughout all field offices. The result will aid the focal persons in the operation of both digital and paper maps, delegation of tasks, and recruitment of personnel, as well as budgetary and data security concerns, which are all crucial in allocating appropriate services in every barangay.

The geotagging and processing activities of CBMS Form 5 are expected to run from March to September 2023.

For more information and latest announcements on the CBMS, you may visit the PSA CBMS webpage at www.psa.gov.ph/cbms.

- Community-Based Statistics Service, Censuses and Technical Coordination Office