With the commitment to generate updated and disaggregated local level data, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) turnovers Baguio City’s data obtained from the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) pilot operation in 2021. The ceremonial endeavor was commenced on 27 March 2023 at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center, Baguio City.

Among the distinguished guests of this significant event include the PSA Undersecretary Dennis S. Mapa, Ph.D., Baguio City Mayor Honorable Benjamin B. Magalong, PSA Assistant National Statistician (ANS) of the Community-Based Statistics Service Kristine Joy S. Briones, Department of Interior and Local Government City Director Millicent B. Cariño, Regional Director (RD) of the PSA Regional Statistical Services Office – Cordillera Administrative Region Villafe P. Alibuyog, and Chief Statistical Specialist of the PSA Provincial Statistical Office – Benguet Imelda L. Buyuccan.

The Baguio City has been making strides in realizing its “Smart City” vision to improve the quality of life of its residents, enhance sustainability, and improve efficiency through the use of technology and data. With the data now at hand, RD Alibuyog mentioned that this CBMS data will be the oil to power the Smart City initiative of the city. Moreover, Mayor Magalong noted that the CBMS data will be significant in pursuing a Smart City status in 2027. When it comes to economic and social data, he added that the city recognizes PSA as the right authority and partner for such wealth of data that may be used for prioritizing the needs of their constituents.

City Planning and Development Coordinator Architect Donna G. Rillera-Tabangin remarked that the use of CBMS data is boundless. Not only it identifies areas of need, but it also designs targeted interventions and develops effective strategies to address them.

The Baguio City is one of the pilot areas of the first ever PSA-led CBMS after the ratification of Republic Act No. 11315 or the CBMS Act in 2019. More than 300,000 individuals in 94,500 participating households were enumerated in the said area during the pilot round.

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, Community-Based Statistics Service