28 August 2024 - Pasig City, Philippines. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) participated in the Course on Local Governance and Innovation for Economic Development under the Senator Tolentino Adaptive Governance and Innovation for Local Chief Executives (AGILE) Program organized by the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) from 28 to 30 August 2024. The said course aims to equip local chief executives and key functionaries with a deeper understanding of their critical role in navigating the complexities of local governance, as well as fostering innovation for robust economic development.

Assistant National Statistician Kristine Joy S. Briones, represented by Statistical Specialist II Jehleen Faye C. Fernandez served as one of the resource speakers, engaged in discussions on “Emerging Trends and the Future of the Public Sector”. She provided an overview of the Community Based Monitoring System (CBMS) and its potential for informing the development of appropriate policies and interventions to enhance Local Economic Development. Various successful applications of the CBMS in different local government units (LGUs) were highlighted to inspire a commitment to promoting adaptive and inclusive local governance among the participants. During the course, the participants gained valuable knowledge and a deeper appreciation for concepts, principles, and methodologies related to leadership, adaptive and inclusive governance, and evidence-based policy development.

In addition, Ms. Fernandez emphasized the importance of utilizing the CBMS to monitor specific local Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She also provided insights into the objectives and recent advancements regarding the conduct of the 2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) and CBMS.

The Philippine Statistics Authority's participation in this course highlights its dedication to facilitating the formulation of policies at the local level by providing accurate data, streamlined civil registration processes, and comprehensive identification systems through close collaboration with LGUs. The PSA is dedicated to helping create impactful and pioneering local strategies rooted in reliable statistics to better serve the diverse needs of the population.

-  Community-Based Statistics Service, Censuses and Technical Coordination Office