03 August 2022 – Davao City. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) conducted the Regional Dissemination Forum on the Philippine Statistical Development Program (PSDP) 2018-2023 Update for the Mindanao Cluster on 03 August 2022 at the Grand Regal Hotel, Davao City. The forum was attended by 299 participants (233 online and 66 on-site) representing the member agencies of the Regional Statistics Committees, various regional line agencies, academe, local government units, and the media.

The message of PSA Undersecretary Dennis S. Mapa, National Statistician and Civil Registrar General, underscored the inclusion of statistical development programs (SDPs) to strengthen the local statistical system, and to generate more locally-disaggregated data for more informed decisions in support of countryside development.

Meanwhile, the message from Undersecretary Rosemarie G. Edillon from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) highlighted that statistics should be produced and communicated in such a way that it will be understood by everyone and will stimulate action from policymakers. She also emphasized the need for more disaggregated data and called for stronger collaboration in providing timely, relevant, and reliable statistics. 

The highlights of the PSDP 2018-2023 Update which included the formulation process, the accomplishments from 2018 to 2021, and the updated SDPs were presented by Officer-in-Charge (OIC)-Assistant National Statistician Severa B. De Costo in the forum.

Honorable Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique N. Advincula delivered the keynote message on behalf of Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte of Davao City. In his message, he emphasized that the PSA plays an important role in providing statistical data and information needed by the government. He mentioned that the cooperation between the PSA and its stakeholders will surely encourage greater collaboration to ensure that the government’s priority projects and programs are aligned with the updated development plan.

PSA-Region IX Regional Director (RD) Mewchun WS. Pamaran presented the highlights of the Regional Statistical Development Program (RSDP) 2018-2023 Update for Regions IX, X, XI, XII, Caraga, and BARMM. This was followed by a panel discussion with RD Phlorita A. Ridao of NEDA-Region IX, RD Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño of NEDA-Region X, Mr. Rosendo Aya-ay of NEDA-Region XI, RD Teresita Socorro C. Ramos of NEDA-Region XII, RD Priscilla R. Sonido of NEDA-Caraga, and Director General Mohajirin T. Ali of Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority-BARMM, as panelists, while Mr. John Frederick P. De Guia served as the moderator. The panelists recommended more data innovations, investments in technology, and that the statistics produced should be timely and relevant, among others. It was also suggested that the successor RSDP be reflective of the statistical needs of the regions, such as the need to adopt various statistical frameworks and indicators like the Tourism Satellite Accounts and Climate Change Indicators.

PSA OIC-Deputy National Statistician Minerva Eloisa P. Esquivias concluded the event with a call on everyone to continually exert efforts for the successful implementation of the PSDP and RSDP 2018-2023 Update.

- Censuses and Technical Coordination Office