The Provincial Statistics Committee (PSC) of Davao Occidental successfully held its Second Quarter Meeting for 2025 on 23 June 2025 at the Provincial Planning and Development Office, Barangay Lais, Malita, Davao Occidental. The meeting was presided over by PSC Vice Chairperson and Philippine Statistics Authority representative, Chief Statistical Specialist Jessie A. Madulin. A total of 22 members from various agencies and institutions actively participated in the meetings.

The meeting formally commenced with PSC Vice Chairperson Jessie A. Madulin seeking the committee’s approval of the proposed business agenda and the minutes of the First Quarter PSC Meeting. This was followed by a presentation from Statistical Specialist II Kimberly M. Ocariza, who provided updates on major statistical activities. These included the ongoing conduct of the 2024 Census of Population and Community-Based Monitoring System (POPCEN-CBMS), updates on the Provincial Product Accounts (PPA), and discussed initiatives under thePSA–LGU Data Sharing (PLDS) Project, highlighting efforts to strengthen local data utilization and collaboration between the Philippine Statistics Authority and local government units.

Senior Statistical Specialist Rodon S. Tahil presented the latest survey results of the 2024 Functional Literacy and Mass Media Survey(FLEMMS) in Davao Occidental. He highlighted a critical concern in which the province ranked as the second lowest in functional literacy. The methodology of the survey was presented and insights from the members were asked to identify possible factors contributing to the low functional literacy rate in the province. The committee acknowledged the importance of the findings, emphasizing that the data will help the province identify gaps, assess the effectiveness of current programs, and plan appropriate interventions. Results on 2022 Census of Agriculture and Fisheries and 1st Quarter 2025 Agriculture Surveys were also presented.

The committee also discussed the planned activities for the upcoming celebration of the 36th National Statistics Month (NSM). Members were encouraged to actively participate and support the initiatives aimed at promoting awareness and appreciation of the importance of statistics in policymaking, governance, and everyday decision-making. To strengthen collaboration and ensure the success of these initiatives, the PSC passed a resolution enjoining the support of all stakeholders. The celebration will serve as an opportunity to enhance coordination among government agencies, local government units, and other partners in advancing statistical development in the province.

The committee was also briefed on the approved PSA Board Resolutions as of the First Quarter of 2025. These resolutions inform the implementation of statistical standards and protocols at the local level. 

The Second Quarter PSC Meeting served as a vital platform for strengthening inter-agency coordination and fostering a data-driven culture in the province. The PSC remains committed to steering efforts toward improved data governance, inclusivity, and sustainability.

APPROVED FOR RELEASE:

JESSIE A. MADULIN
Chief Statistical Specialist