The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Macroeconomic Accounts Service (MAS) conducted Training on Data to Non-Benchmark Accounts for the Regional Statistical Services Offices and Provincial Statistical Offices personnel of the 16 Provincial Product Accounts (PPA) Pilot Regions from 15 August to 07 September 2023. The said training/workshop was conducted in three clusters from 15 to 17 August 2023 in Central Luzon (Cluster 1), 29 to 31 August 2023 in Davao Region (Cluster 2), and 05 to 07 September 2023 in Bicol Region. Officials and personnel from Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon and CALABARZON composed Cluster 1. Participants of Cluster 2 are officials and personnel from Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, Caraga, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Meanwhile, officials and personnel from MIMAROPA Region, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas and Central Visayas conducted there training at Gamboa’s Orchard, San Jose, Malilipot, Albay. The main objective of the activity is to capacitate the RSSOs and PSOs on the methodologies and processes in generating the non-benchmark estimates.

The first day of the Batch 3 Training/Workshop on Data to Non-Benchmark Estimation of PPA started with the acknowledgment of all PPA focals and staff from the 5 RSSOs, and 24 PSOs present, as well as staff from the MAS-SEAD, MAS-PAD, and MAS-EIAD of PSA Central Office. This was followed by the opening remarks of the Regional Director of RSSO Bicol, RD Cynthia L. Perdiz, and a message via zoom by Deputy National Statistician Divina Gracia L. Del Prado. DNS Del Prado emphasized the importance of working together to ensure the release of reliable results in accordance with PSA corporate values. Moreover, she expressed her appreciation for the dedication of the staff to participate in the undertaking and produce reliable statistics on the subregional level.

Ms. Elgie A. Gulane, Officer-in-Charge and Supervising Statistical Specialist of Subnational Economic Accounts Division discussed the Production Approach of GDP Compilation: Linking Benchmark and Non-benchmark Estimation, followed by a lecture on the Single Extrapolation Method Approach in Non-benchmark Estimation by Mr. Florande S. Polistico, Chief Statistical Specialist of the Production Accounts Division. 

The 2nd day of Training/Workshop focused on the hands-on exercises on non-benchmark estimation prepared by the facilitators from Central Office. The day started with brief highlights of day 1 given by Gerald Torres of PSO Northern Samar. Ms. Joanna Marie F. Masana presented the guidelines of the hands-on exercises. The participants are then divided into 5 groups that are tasked in sectors with the aid of facilitators from Central Office. 

For the final day of the workshop, each group presented the output of their respective industries. Each presenter began with discussing the overview of the industry/industries assigned to them, followed by the data sources needed in the estimation procedure, then the processing and analyzation of data, the application of the single extrapolation method, and lastly the issues observed during the workshop as well as recommendations. Ms. Jovel O. Nabia of SEAD mentioned some of the issues and challenges in non-benchmark estimation and discussed also how to address them. Some strategies mentioned were the eyeball test, cross validation with other industries, and the use of Supply and Use table for data gaps.

Ms. Precious Anne Cañete presented the Way Forward for PPA estimation and asked the RSSOs and PSOs to free up their schedules for the important dates. Selected focal persons gave their impressions on the activity. These pioneering efforts promises to enhance the accuracy and relevance of economic statistics, providing policymakers and researchers with a more comprehensive understanding of regional economies.

 

 

Approved by:

(Supervising Statistical Specialist)

Officer-in-Charge