The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) clears the conduct of the Monthly Palay and Corn Situation Reporting System (MPCSRS), as a monitoring system of the growing conditions and actual plantings of palay and corn. It aims to provide the forecasts for the current quarter based on the current standing crop and for the next quarter based on planting intentions and to provide monthly updates on the area and production of palay and corn by stages of growth (i.e., vegetative, reproductive and maturing). Updates on production and harvest area estimates of palay and corn are generated from the MPCRS which is conducted monthly in-between the Palay and Corn Production Survey rounds done by PSA. Monitoring is conducted in February, March, May, June, August, September, and November.

The MPCSRS will interview a total of 75,852 farming households, of which 45,521 respondents are palay farming households while 30,331 respondents are corn farming households. The survey will be undertaken during the first five days of every survey month, and results are scheduled to be released on the 15th day after the survey month. A budget amounting to PhP 20.2 million will be utilized for the survey.

The following were the key results of the latest MPCSRS:

a. Based on standing crop as of 01 June 2021, the estimated palay production for the period of April to June 2021 may increase to 4.17 million metric tons, an increase by 1.2 percent, from the previous year’s level of 4.13 million metric tons. The probable harvest area for palay for the period of April to June 2021 may decrease by 0.8 percent, from 955.84 thousand hectares during the same period in 2020.

b. The probable corn production for April to June 2021 may increase to 1.454 million metric tons from the April round estimates of 1.452 million metric tons. Harvest area for corn may increase to 407.84 thousand hectares from the 391.68 thousand hectares in 2020.

The detailed results of the MPCSRS as of June 2021 can be accessed at https://psa.gov.ph/content/updates-palay-and-corn-estimates-0.

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

a. ensure sound design for data collection,
b. minimize the burden placed upon respondents,
c. effect economy in statistical data collection,
d. eliminate unnecessary duplication of statistical data collection efforts, and
e. achieve better coordination of government statistical activities.

In line with this, the PSA enjoins the palay and corn farming households to support and participate in the survey by providing the information needed. An authorized PSA interviewer will visit the sample palay and corn farming households to conduct a personal interview.

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

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.