The Philippine Statistics Authority will be conducting the 2018 Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES) 2^nd Visit starting January 9, 2019. It is a rider to the quarterly Labor Force Survey (LFS) for January 2019. The primary objective of this undertaking is to gather data on family income, sources of income, family expenditure and related information affecting family income and expenditure levels and patterns in the Philippines. It determines the income distribution, levels of living and spending patterns and the degree of inequality among families. It will also provide benchmark information to update the weights used in the estimation of Consumer Price Index (CPI); and to provide inputs in the estimation of the country’s poverty threshold and incidence.

The FIES, which is conducted every 3 years, will provide data that are needed in the different aspects of the country’s economic conditions specifically, estimation of the household account in the system of national accounts and balances; measurement of the Human Development Index (HDI); measurement of poverty, and measurement of the levels of living of different sections of the population and disparities in levels of living across geographical regions and socio-economic groups.

The PSA is asking support and cooperation from the sample households to accommodate the Field Interviewers or Statistical Researchers who will visit their home to conduct interview. The NGAs and LGUs especially the Barangay officials are encouraged to extend assistance and support for the success of this very important undertaking.

The PSA, as the primary statistical arm of the government is mandated by Republic Act 10625 to conduct such important survey and assure the public that all information gathered will be kept strictly confidential and will not be used for purposes of taxation, investigation or regulation as provided for under Section 26 of R.A. 10625. The information collected will be used for statistical purposes as basis for government planners and decision-makers.

Engr. ARIEL E. FLORENDO
Regional Director