On 17 April 2023, the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) data of the City of Baybay during its pilot run in 2021 was finally turned over to the city government. This significant milestone has marked the collective efforts of the city, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), and other involved stakeholders. The data turnover ceremony was held at the Convention Hall, New City Hall Building of Baybay, and was attended by the PSA and City of Baybay officials.

Deputy National Statistician (DNS) Minerva Eloisa P. Esquivias opened the ceremony with gratitude to the City of Baybay for taking on the challenge to be part of the first-ever PSA-led CBMS. Additionally, DNS Esquivias expressed her enthusiasm for what the CBMS data may possibly do for the city’s continuous pursuance of data-driven development planning in the city and its barangays.

Chief Statistical Specialist (CSS) Sheryl Ann A. Jamisola of the PSA Provincial Statistical Office in Leyte presented the highlights of the results of the 2021 Pilot CBMS and emphasized the richness of the localized data obtained through this statistical activity.

City Mayor Hon. Jose Carlos L. Cari affirmed that the information gathered through the CBMS will serve as a baseline in assessing the city’s accomplishments in the previous years. He added that the data handed over is a powerful tool to effectively serve the Baybayanons with plans and programs fitting to their needs.

Plans of the city in the utilization of the CBMS results have been shared by City Information Officer, Ms. Marissa M. Cano. She mentioned that the said data shall be harmonized with the city’s existing Barangay Management Information System.

The Pilot CBMS in the City of Baybay reported a 99.5% response rate which entails a high participation rate among household respondents. The CBMS data will serve as a basis for the city’s sustainable and equitable strategies in the formulation of policies and implementation of programs for the welfare of its citizens, the Baybayanons.

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