Provincial Statistics Committee continues to play a vital role in ensuring that accurate and timely statistics guide decision-making and governance across Siquijor, supporting the province’s development initiatives through data-driven approaches.

In line with this, the Provincial Statistics Committee (PSC) of Siquijor convened its fourth quarter meeting for 2024 on 17 October 2024 at the PSA Provincial Statistical Office, 3rd Floor, Siquijor Business and Convention Center. The meeting gathered key representatives from government agencies, local government units (LGUs), academe, and the private sector to discuss updates on the province’s ongoing statistical activities and future projects.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the singing of the National Anthem and Siquijor Hymn. Engr. Jason D. Manos, the PSC Chairperson, led the call to order, followed by the roll call of participants by Cherry Rose B. Ates, Secretariat Member. The attendees confirmed the quorum, allowing the meeting to proceed smoothly.

In his opening remarks, Engr. Manos welcomed the attendees, setting the tone for a productive meeting. He was followed by Engr. Ariel E. Florendo, PSA Regional Director, who delivered a message highlighting the importance of collaboration in achieving the goals of the provincial statistics committee.

Several key topics were discussed by Engr. Joselito C. Maghanoy, Vice Chairperson of the Provincial Statistics Committee and Supervising Statistical Specialist (Officer-In-Charge) of the Philippine Statistics Authority - Siquijor Provincial Statistical Office, including:

• Updates on the 35th National Statistics Month (NSM): Plans and activities related to the upcoming NSM celebration were reviewed.
• PhilSys Updates: The committee received updates on the progress of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) registration in the province.
• CBMS and PPA Updates: Ongoing developments in the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) and Provincial Product Accounts (PPA) were discussed.
• PSA-LGU Data Sharing Initiatives: The collaboration between the PSA and LGUs regarding data sharing was explored, with discussions on how to optimize its effectiveness for the province's benefit.
• Upcoming PSA Projects: New initiatives and statistical programs set for implementation in 2024 were presented to the committee.

The committee approved several resolutions aimed at enhancing statistical efforts in the province. These include:

• PSC Resolution No. 12 Series of 2024: Enjoining government agencies, LGUs, academe, and the private sector to support the 2024 Occupational Wages Survey (OWS) and the 2023/2024 Integrated Survey on Labor and Employment (ISLE).
• PSC Resolution No. 13 Series of 2024: Encouraging the same sectors to assist in the 2024 Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS).
• PSC Resolution No. 14 Series of 2024: Supporting the 2024 Augmented System for Travel Information Using GIS Technology (ASTIGTECH).
• PSC Resolution No. 15 Series of 2024: Calling on all sectors to actively participate in and support the 35th National Statistics Month (NSM) celebration.

The meeting concluded with an open forum where participants raised additional concerns and suggestions, followed by the official adjournment of the session by Engr. Manos.

The Provincial Statistics Committee continues to play a vital role in ensuring that accurate and timely statistics guide decision-making and governance across Siquijor, supporting the province’s development initiatives through data-driven approaches.

(SGD) JOSELITO C. MAGHANOY
(Supervising Statistical Specialist)/
Officer-in-Charge