Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)-Davao in coordination with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-Davao Region hosted the 30th National Statistics Month (NSM) Closing Ceremony on 30 October 2019 at the 3/F Conference Room BSP-Davao, Quirino Ave., Davao City. The collaborative activity was attended by various stakeholders in the region, namely, the National Line Agencies, Local Government Units, academe, media and from the private and public banking sectors.

On behalf of BSP-Davao Director Atty. Leonides D. Sumbi, Officer-In-Charge Nestor Bastareche gave the Opening Remarks of the activity. His message focused on data innovation for the effective and sound monetary policy.

Relevant to this year’s NSM theme “Data Innovation: Key to a Better Nation”, Rosendo M. Aya-ay, Chief of Statistical Operations and Coordination Division (SOCD) - PSA Davao Region, presented the Innovations on Official Philippine Statistics. He enumerated the key innovative projects conducted by the PSA specifically in the fields of methodology and data collection, statistical information management and dissemination, and statistical advocacy.

National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) XI represented by Catherine A. Laguesma, Chief, Development Research Division delivered a Message on behalf of Maria Lourdes D. Lim, Regional Director NEDA XI and Chairperson, Regional Statistics Committee XI. The message highlighted the importance of innovating the statistical systems and processes for coming up with more meaningful information that would lead to nation building.

Moreover, the background and the results of the Official Poverty Statistics First Semester 2018 was co-presented by Jessie A. Madulin, Officer-In-Charge, PSA-Davao Occidental and Rosendo M. Aya-ay, Chief SOCD-PSA Davao Region. The former discussed concepts and methodology in the estimation while the latter released the figures of the poverty statistics.

Furthermore, the audience participated the activity during the Open Forum. Questions and clarifications were answered and discussed by the concerned officials which was facilitated by Rufino B. Oraño, Officer-In-Charge PSA-Davao del Norte.

The ceremony formally ended by a Closing Remarks from Pepito D. Amoyen, (Chief Statistical Specialist) Officer-In-Charge, PSA-Davao Region. He thanked the speakers, the participants and BSP-Davao for the success of the activity. He also informed the participants about the status of PSA supplementary mandate the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) and the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS).

This year’s theme “Data Innovation: Key to a Better Nation” highlighted the importance of innovating statistical systems, processes and technologies in coming up with quality statistics that will be used by data users, especially planners, policymakers and program implementers who are in the best position to shape the future of the country and of its people.

Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 647, Declaring the Month of October Every Year as the National Statistics Month” the annual MSM aims to: (a) promote, enhance, and instill awareness and appreciation of the importance and value of statistics to the different sectors of the society; and (b) elicit the cooperation and support of the general public in upgrading the quality and standards of statistics in the country.

Approved for release:

(Chief Statistical Specialist)

Officer-In-Charge)

PSA Regional Statstical Services Office XI