The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) granted clearance for the PIDS-Monash University Online Survey of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the Philippines to be conducted by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

The survey aims to look into SMEs’ policy responses to COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.  The survey will analyze whether and how women-led/owned establishments have benefited from these SMEs policy responses to COVID-19. The survey will also look into the issues, barriers and challenges encountered by women-led/owned establishments. Results of the survey will guide the PIDS in crafting possible recommendations that will strengthen gender-responsive policies of SMEs.

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

a. Name of enterprise, location, industry and ownership structure;
b. Percentage of women ownership of the enterprise;
c. Experiences, issues and challenges faced by the enterprise during the COVID-19 pandemic;
d. Business decisions and strategies adopted by the enterprise during the COVID-19 pandemic;
e. Changes in the enterprise’s performance indicators before and during the pandemic;
f. Support programs sought by the enterprises during the pandemic; and
g. Senior management views on the SMEs policies.

The PIDS will work with the Department of Trade and Industry Bureau of SME Development (DTI-BSMED) for the roll out of the online survey. A total of 1,500 enterprises from National Capital Region (NCR), Central Luzon, CALABARZON and Central Visayas will be given link for the survey. The results of the survey are expected to be released in November 2021.

This 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 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 enterprises in NCR, Central Luzon, CALABARZON and Central Visayas to support and participate in the survey by providing the information needed.

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 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.