The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) successfully turned over the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) data of Santa Maria, Isabela from its pilot run in 2021. The ceremonial activity was commenced at Santa Maria Municipal Hall on 24 April 2023. Due to the concerted efforts by the PSA and the local government of Santa Maria, this significant event was made possible and came to fruition.

The following distinguished PSA officials graced the event: Legal Service Director and Data Protection Officer Atty. Eliezer P. Ambatali, Regional Statistical Services Office (RSSO) II Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Engr. Girme M. Bayucan, and Provincial Statistical Office - Isabela Chief Statistical Specialist Julius M. Emperador. Moreover, the Municipal Government of Santa Maria was represented by its Municipal Mayor Honorable Hilario G. Pagauitan, and OIC-Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Jaylord M. Cauan and other PSA and LGU personnel were also present during the event.

Over 98 percent participating individuals were covered, which specifies 5,872 responding households or 25,404 covered population. Engr. Bayucan presented the highlights of the results which included the basic services such as electricity, internet, water, toilet facilities, safety, food insecurity, and disaster preparedness, among others. Moreover, maps on geotagged health facilities, education facilities, and agricultural facilities were shown. Aside from these, Engr. Bayucan mentioned that there are still more indicators which can be generated from the CBMS data that the LGU may utilize for their program planning and implementation.

Mayor Pagauitan expressed his appreciation to the PSA for including them as one of the pilot areas, and for ensuring quality and reliable local-level data that the municipality may use. The CBMS data will serve as baseline data in crafting developmental programs for its constituents. With the availability of localized data as evidence of sustainable and equitable strategies, the municipal government is looking forward to a more progressive community.

For more information and the 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