The Provincial Statistics Committee (PSC) of Davao Occidental successfully convened its First Quarter Meeting for 2025 on 26 March 2025 at the ProvincialPlanning and DevelopmentOffice,Barangay Lais, Malita, Davao Occidental.The meeting was presided over by PSC Chairperson and Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Jocelyn R. Batucan, with the active participation of 25 members from various agencies and institutions. This was in partnership with the Davao Occidental Provincial Statistical Office led by Vice Chairperson and Chief Statistical Specialist Jessie A. Madulin.

PSC Secretariat and Supervising Statistical Specialist Munria L. Banto presented the committee’s 2024 accomplishments, concluding with a committee resolution approving the accomplishments. Senior Statistical Specialist Rodon S. Tahil then provided updates on the ongoing 2024 Census of Population and Community-Based Monitoring System and the recently conducted regional data review on the 2024 Functional Literacy and Mass Media Survey. He also presented the results of the 2023 Employment Statistics, 2024 Inflation Report, and 2024 Agriculture Statistics in the province. A resolution adopting these findings was passed, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making. Representatives from local government units and other agencies discussed programs aligned with these results, highlighting the impact of statistics on policy formulation and development initiatives.

The committee also tackled ongoing and upcoming statistical activities such as the 2024 POPCEN-CBMS Geotagging of Service Facilities and Government Projects, National Demographic and Health Survey, National Migration Survey, Job Skills Survey, Household Survey on Domestic Visitors, Family Income and Expenditure Survey, Annual Survey of Philippine Business and Industry, 2024 Provincial Products Account, and regular Agricultural Surveys. To strengthen collaboration and ensure the success of these initiatives, the PSC passed a resolution enjoining the support of all stakeholders.

CSS Madulin also presented the 2023 Vital Statistics of Davao Occidental, which provided key demographic insights into birth rates, mortality trends, and other vital indicators crucial for local policymaking and program implementation.

As the primary policymaking body on statistical matters in the province, the PSC showed its commitment to promoting data-driven and evidence-based decision-making. The importance of utilizing statistical data for local-level planning and program implementation to address socio- economic challenges and enhance development initiatives was underscored in the meeting. Continued collaboration among PSC members will be vital to the effective collection, analysis, and utilization of statistical data for the sustainable development of Davao Occidental.

APPROVED FOR RELEASE:



JESSIE A. MADULIN
Chief Statistical Specialist