The Philippine Statistics Authority-Siquijor Provincial Statistical Office recently celebrated the 7th year of public service along with the blessing of its new office space located on the 3rd of Siquijor Business Convention Center, Poblacion, Siquijor.

This year's anniversary is celebrated with the theme "PSA Embracing New Normal in the 4IR," encompassing the challenges of the new normal brought about by COVID-19 pandemic.

The celebration started with a holy mass presided by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Ramon L. Duran, the newly installed parish priest of Siquijor Parish.

Governor Zaldy Villa together with Vice-Governor Mei Ling Quezon-Brown also graced the celebration who both congratulated the agency and the personnel. Villa said PSA has played a big role in the economic success of the province because of the quality data the agency has provided to the provincial government. "They will always refer to the important data and information from your office. Maong nalipay kaayo ko paghangyo ninyo ug dinhi mo mu-opisina (I was very delighted when you asked me that you would be using this hall as your office)," Villa continued.

Vice-Mayor Quezon, likewise, exclaimed her support towards the agency's efforts to provide data for the success of the province's policy making.

Moreover, Ariel E. Florendo, Regional Director for PSA Central Visayas, expressed his gratitude towards the provincial government for providing the PSA Provincial Office with a world-class office space. "I believe this is one of the best office here in Siquijor," Florendo exclaimed. "And I am so proud of PSA because even with the pandemic, we never stop. In fact, other offices have stopped. Nakulbaan mi (We were worried) but our President said we should continue because the data is very important," he continued.

Supervising Statistical Specialist Felicisimo B. Valios also boasted that the new office space mirrors the importance of the agency as it is now ISO certified.

Currently, PSA-Siquijor is conducting the 2020 Census of Population and Housing and making preparations for the launching of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys), popularly known as the National I.D., which is set to start next year.

(SGD.) AURELIA M. CANDA
Chief Statistical Specialist