02 December 2024 – PSA HEADQUARTERS. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) conducted its first ever National Data Dissemination Forum on Construction Statistics from Approved Building Permits. These statistics are compiled by PSA based on the information in the building permit application forms collected from the Local Building Officials (LBOs) of the various Local Government Units (LGUs).

The data dissemination forum aimed to highlight the construction statistics from approved building permits, emphasizing the trend and growth rates of constructions for the period 2019 to 2023, and January to September 2024. It also served as a venue to acknowledge and give due recognition to the cooperation of the LBOs in the National Capital Region (NCR) and to discuss issues and concerns, particularly on enhancing the data collection process and completeness of submission of Approved Building Permits.

The half-day event was attended by 78 participants, including representatives from major government agencies, corporate firms, LBOs from the highly-urbanized cities and municipality in NCR, and other stakeholders.

PSA Assistant Secretary Divina Gracia L. del Prado, PhD, Deputy National Statistician of the Sectoral Statistics Office, extended her welcome to all the attendees. She emphasized that the PSA is making a significant milestone with the conduct of its first-ever Data Dissemination Forum on Construction Statistics from Approved Building Permits. She also highlighted the importance of the recently signed Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) among the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and PSA. The JMC sets the guidelines on the collection of unified application form for building permits and certificates of completion.

Assistant National Statistician Rachel C. Lacsa of the Economic Sector Statistics Service introduced the keynote speaker, Attorney John Alexander S. Belderol of the DPWH. During his speech, he thanked the LBOs for their invaluable contribution in ensuring the preservation, accuracy, and accessibility of construction data at the grassroots level. Moreover, he mentioned that in the rapidly evolving world of construction, the need for accurate, timely, and comprehensive data has never been more crucial, as these data serve as the bedrock upon which the government can build informed decisions in building regulations.

Chief Statistical Specialist (CSS) John Paul C. Sacop of the Industry Statistics Division (ISD) presented the results of the construction statistics from approved building permits at the national level. This was followed by the presentation of results for the NCR by CSS Jing C. Rocabo of the Statistical Operations and Coordination Division of the PSA NCR. Subsequently, key insights were presented by the discussants, Ms. Willa Boots J. Tolo, Bank Officer V from the Department of Economic Statistics, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), and Mr. Marion Karlo R. Cruz, Assistant Manager of Strategy and Business Development of Republic Cement.

Ms. Tolo shared insights on how the BSP utilizes construction statistics data from PSA to validate their Residential Real Estate Price Index. They compared the trends of the total number of residential permits with the BSP’s data on the residential real estate loans. Based on the comparison, she underscored that the approved residential building permits move one quarter ahead with residential real estate loans. Meanwhile, Mr. Cruz mentioned that they use construction data, along with other sources, to have a clear grasp of what is happening in the construction industry.

Following the presentation of discussants was an open forum to give opportunity for participants to ask question and share insights. Ms. Joyce B. Egsan, Supervising Statistical Specialist of the ISD, served as the moderator during the forum.

The closing remarks was delivered by Regional Director Paciano B. Dizon of Regional Statistical and Services Office NCR. He extended his sincerest gratitude to the LBOs for providing accurate building permit data and encouraged them to continue supporting the PSA.

The forum can be watched through this link:
https://www.facebook.com/PSAgovph/videos/967430181941950

-Economic Sector Statistics Service, Sectoral Statistics Office