NSCB Resolution No. 9
Series of 1992

THRUSTS AND STRATEGIES FOR THE PHILIPPINE STATISTICAL SYSTEM AS A BASIS FOR THE FORMULATION OF PROGRAMS FOR 1993-1998

WHEREAS, the Philippine Statistical Development Program (PSDP) is a mechanism for setting the direction, thrusts and priorities of the Philippine Statistical System;

WHEREAS, there is a need to update the current 1990-1992 PSDP;

WHEREAS, there is a need to define the thrusts and strategies as a basis for the formulation of programs for 1993-1998;

WHEREAS, after evaluating the accomplishments, the existing situation and the challenges expected to be faced by the Philippine Statistical System for the next medium term, the PSDP Advisory Committee and Sectoral Task Forces and the NSCB Technical Staff came up with the proposed overall thrusts and strategies for 1993-1998;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, that the Board approve the attached proposed list of thrusts and strategies for the Philippine Statistical System as a basis of formulating the priority programs for 1993-1998.

Approved this 2nd day of December 1992.

RECOMMENDED THRUSTS AND STRATEGIES

1993-1998 Philippine Statistical Development Program

The overriding goals of the PSS for the medium term are: (1) to respond to the data requirements of the development goals of international competitiveness and people empowerment; and (2) to promote efficiency of statistical operations through an optimum use of available resources and adoption of cost effective measures. To achieve these goals, given the scarce resources, and other constraints, the task required is the formulation of the best combination of inputs and strategies to produce the best combination of outputs. Thus, in the next six years, the PSS hopes to achieve the following specific thrusts and strategies:

A. On Data Production and Dissemination

1. In the allocation of resources, give priority to activities that will fill up data gaps in the social sector.
2. Data must be available before the next round of the conduct for surveys whose frequency is annual or less.
   
   1. Review existing statistical operations to discard unnecessary activities and merge related ones; and
   2. Implement a computerized and decentralized system of data processing and dissemination for nationwide statistics-gathering activities.
3. Encourage production and dissemination of statistical data down to the LGU level.
   
   1. Develop the capability of the local government units to generate data that could satisfy their needs using standard methodologies, techniques and concepts; and
   2. Utilize more effective means of data dissemination to be able to reach out to more data users.
4. Facilitate a more meaningful and productive utilization of statistical information.
   
   1. Develop better packaging of statistical products that would cater to different segments of the society;
   2. Elicit a multi-disciplinary involvement in the analysis/evaluation of statistical data; and
   3. Establish public-use statistical data bases.
5. Optimize use of resources through adoption of cost effective systems and methodologies.
   
   1. Explore the existing administrative-based data reporting systems as an alternative source of subnational statistics before considering a more costly survey; and
   2. Deputation of existing government personnel must be considered in lieu of hiring new ones.

B. On Human Resource Development

1. Implement a Statistical Human Resource Development Program System down to the municipal level.
   
   1. Resources of training institutions should allocate a greater portion to LGUs to include manpower at the municipal level;
   2. Develop programs that will enable utilization of statistics as a tool for people empowerment; and
   3. Encourage the pursuance of a statistical career development within the LGUs and the non-statistical agencies.
2. Create opportunities for advancement of the statistical profession.
   
   1. Provide more fora for discussion of current statistical techniques;
   2. Advocate a career system for statisticians in the government; and
   3. Establish technical cooperation with foreign statistical offices.
3. Maximize the utilization of available manpower for statistical operations.
   
   1. Motivate competent personnel to stay within the statistical system;
   2. Implement an internal realignment of manpower if necessary and within the limits of government rules and regulations;
   3. Share expertise and service whenever available; and
   4. Implement a Trainors’ Training Program.

C. On Research and Development

1. Conduct researches to develop methodologies which will improve responsiveness and timeliness of data and save cost on statistical operations, using innovative approaches and the latest available technology where applicable and feasible.
   
   1. Develop social statistics that could measure extent of human development and proxy indicators that will provide plans and policy makers the needed information in between census or survey periods;
   2. Develop methodologies for constructing regularly updated sampling frames for household, establishment and agriculture surveys; and
   3. Strengthen tie-up with the Academe for the conduct of research relevant to existing statistical system.
2. Ensure the dissemination of research inputs.

D. On Coordination

1. Maintain the independence and objectivity of the statistical system.
   
   1. Strengthen coordination with the Autonomous Regional Government and the Local Government Units, and the national government agencies at the subnational level with the aid of necessary executive and legislative issuances; and
   2. Develop and implement an objective and verifiable indicator system that would measure the performance of the statistical system.
2. Draw more support for the statistical system.
   
   1. Submit necessary executive and legislative measures to strengthen the Philippine Statistical System and its linkages with the executive and legislative offices, international institutions and the private sector.
3. Expedite resolution of statistical issues.
   
   1. Initiate establishment of statistical coordination mechanism in departments where there are inconsistency problems between or among attached bureaus or units; and
   2. Develop statistical standards geared towards resolving the identified inconsistencies.
4. Open opportunities for possible partnership with the private sector in the development of efficient statistical information system.