The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) granted clearance for the conduct of the National Fibercrop Survey and Mapping Project (NFSMP) by the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA).

The national survey which will be conducted in September 2021 to September 2022 aims to collect information as necessary inputs to come up with comprehensive and strategic plan for the growth and development of the fibercrop industry. This will be accomplished through interview with the fibercrop farmers using a mobile application and Geotagging of fibercrop areas in the country.

Specifically, the survey aims to:

a. update the actual area planted to abaca and other fibercrops
b. come up with a comprehensive Geographical Information System (GIS) Map; and
c. update the registry of fibercrop farmers.

Data items to be collected in this undertaking include the following topics:

a. demographic characteristics and other information about the fibercrop farmers (age, civil status, sex, educational attainment, number of dependents, affiliation to cooperative or organization & type of fibercrop planted),

b. profile of fibercrop farms (farm location, farm area, year established of farm area, variety planted, number of hills per hectare, intercropped crops, topography, frequency of harvest, annual yield per hectare, frequency of weeding, fertilizer application, appearance of pests, pest control applied, appearance of diseases, disease control, method of fiber extraction, percentage of sharing between landowner and harvester, market outlet, potential area for expansion, and method of irrigation).

A total budget amounting to PhP 25 million will be utilized in the survey. Results of the survey is scheduled to be released in April to June 2023.

This undertaking 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 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 fibercrop farmers in the country to support and participate in the survey by providing the required information.

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 addresses: ssd.staff@psa.gov.ph or 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.