Striving to generate up-to-date and disaggregated data at the local level, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has handed over the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) pilot data in 2021 obtained from Samal, Bataan.  The ceremonial undertaking took place at Samal Municipal Hall on the 4th of May 2023. This significant step signifies the PSA's unwavering commitment to providing relevant and reliable data, thereby facilitating evidence-based policymaking and development planning.

It was attended by distinguished guests, including the PSA Officer-in-Charge Deputy National Statistician (DNS) Minerva Eloisa P. Esquivias, the Samal Vice Mayor Honorable Ronald M. Ortiguerra,  the PSA Assistant National Statistician (ANS) of the Community-Based Statistics Service Kristine Joy S. Briones, the Regional Director of the PSA Regional Statistical Services Office III Arlene M. Divino, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Bataan Provincial Director Belina T. Herman, CESO V, the Department of Information and Communications Technology Provincial Head Gerald Victor M. Calamaan and the Chief Statistical Specialist of the Provincial Statistical Office (PSO) – Bataan Francisco P. Corpuz.

During the ceremony, the PSA turned over the CBMS data to the local government unit (LGU) of Samal. The data includes the results of the Pilot CBMS conducted in 2021.  The partnership with the PSA and the valuable information provided by CBMS was appreciated by the LGU officials.

The Pilot CBMS in the Municipality of Samal reported a 99.9% response rate which entails a high participation rate among household respondents. The LGU will utilize the data gathered from CBMS to create policies and programs that are more responsive to the needs of the community.

The Vice Mayor of Samal, on behalf of Mayor Alexander C. Acuzar, highlighted their dedication to enhancing the quality of life for their constituents by ensuring prompt and effective delivery of essential services through transparent, accountable, and participatory governance. The CBMS would enable them to monitor progress in achieving these goals not only at the municipal level but also at the barangay level. Additionally, the Vice Mayor mentioned that CBMS would be instrumental in identifying the areas where targeted interventions are needed to improve the delivery of services.  He also emphasized that the CBMS is a vital tool to fight against poverty.

The LGU of Samal has made a firm commitment to leverage the data in guiding their development planning and budgeting efforts.  Moreover, they intend to share this valuable information with other government agencies and stakeholders to foster collaboration and address the pressing needs of the community.  Such proactive measures demonstrate their steadfast dedication to promoting a sustainable and inclusive approach toward development.

The PSA officials and representatives expressed their hope that the CBMS data will contribute to the LGU's efforts to achieve sustainable development goals and reduce poverty in the community.

The data turnover ceremony concluded with a commitment from both the LGU and PSA to continue working together to improve the lives of the people in Samal.

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