The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) granted clearance for the conduct of the Local Government Unit (LGU) Geographic Information System (GIS) Capability Assessment on 03 January 2020. The assessment will be conducted by the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA), the central mapping agency of the Philippine government.

The main objective of the survey is to assess the capability of all LGUs in terms of using GIS from 2019 to present. Specifically, the results of the survey will help NAMRIA to generate an updated capability profile on the use of GIS among the LGUs and their potential capability for future implementation of GIS projects. It will also enable NAMRIA to evaluate the effectiveness of its geospatial information management program through partnerships with LGUs; and assess the extent of LGU’s contribution in relation to NAMRIA’s goal towards geospatial-enabled nation.

The data items to be collected in the survey include the following:

• LGU profile
• GIS implementation
• GIS programs/projects/activities
• Current GIS and ICT resources
• GIS trainings attended
• GIS datasets

According to NAMRIA, "GIS is a computer-based system including software, hardware, people, and geographic information that can create, edit, query, analyze and display map information on the computer. It can also be described as an interactive and engaging social environment to help people learn how to develop geographic knowledge and solve spatial problems."

The assessment will cover all local government units (LGUs) in the country starting January until October 2020. A total budget of PhP 369,000 will be utilized for personal services, maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) such as travelling expenses, supplies and printing of materials and capital outlay.

Results of the survey are expected to be released in December 2020.

The survey was reviewed and cleared for conduct under the Statistical Survey Review and Clearance System (SSRCS), a mechanism being implemented by the PSA by virtue of Rule 28 of Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) No. 10625 to:

• ensure sound design for data collection;
• minimize the burden placed upon respondents;
• effect economy in statistical data collection;
• eliminate unnecessary duplication of statistical data collection efforts; and
• achieve better coordination of government statistical activities.

In line with this, the PSA enjoins the local government units to support the said survey. Meanwhile, the PSA would like to inform the general public that the PSA is only mandated to review and clear the survey materials through the SSRCS. In the event that the survey proponent hires a third-party entity to undertake the survey on their behalf, kindly note that the PSA does not have control over the agreement between the survey proponent and the third-party entity.

For further information on SSRCS, please contact the Statistical Standards Division (SSD) of the Standards Service (SS) with telephone numbers
(02) 8376-1928 and  (02) 8376-1931, and email address: ssd.staff@psa.gov.ph or ssdss.staff@gmail.com.

CLAIRE DENNIS S. MAPA, Ph.D.
Undersecretary
National Statistician and Civil Registrar General

See more at the Statistical Survey Review and Clearance System (SSRCS) landing page.