Central Visayas is chosen as one of the three pilot regions to implement the Provincial Product Accounts (PPA) starting 2021. To mark its first step, the PSA Region 7 conducted a briefing/workshop with stakeholders towards the compilation of the Provincial Product Account on 29-30 March 2021. It was a blended-type of workshop wherein some participants were present at the provincial venue while others were through virtual. A total of 193 participants attended the briefing/workshop. It was the PPA Briefing/Workshop with the most number of participants among the three pilot regions

Engr. Ariel Florendo, Regional Director of PSA 7, opened his message expressing his gratitude to all participants who attended the briefing/workshop despite the pandemic. He mentioned how this PPA will answer the clamour for data disaggregation in the provincial level. He also believed that with collective efforts and shared information, we can overcome any challenges and move the region forward.

Undersecretary Claire Dennis Mapa, National Statistician and Civil Registrar General of PSA, congratulated Region 7 – Central Visayas to be one of the three pilot regions for PPA. In his message, he emphasized the importance of PPA. He highlighted that the PSA is committed to deliver quality, relevant and reliable statistics for equitable development towards improved quality of life for all. Usec. Mapa requested for the full cooperation of its partners and fellow data providers in the conduct of activities for the provincial product accounts especially in the provision of data requirements. He ended his message by thanking everyone for allotting their time and effort in this activity and for their continuous support towards the compilation of the Gross Domestic Products in all the provinces of Central Visayas.

Engr. Leopoldo P. Alfanta Jr., Chief Statistical Specialist of PSA RSSO 7 – SOCD, presented the Objectives and Expectations for the two - day briefing/workshop. a.) Brief the participants/stakeholders on the System of National Accounts (SNA), and the implementation of the PPA; b.) Brief the stakeholders on the data requirements for the compilation of PPA, estimation and methodology of Gross Value Added (GVA) by Industry; c.) Consult stakeholders and gather feedback on the economic situation of the Provinces for Central Visayas Region; and d.) Conduct a rapid assessment of available data vis-à-vis required data.

The first day was spent in knowing more about the System of National Accounts, Provincial Product Accounts and its importance. There were four (4) facilitators from Production Accounts Division (PAD) and Integrated Accounts Division (IAD) who discussed the three (3) industries: Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing (AFF), Industry and Services.  Mr. Florande S. Polistico, Chief Statistical Specialist of PAD, discussed the AFF. Industry was presented by Ms. Faith Hyacinth M. Balisacan, Senior Statistical Specialist of PAD. The third industry which is Services was discussed by Ms. Elgie A. Gulane, Senior Statistical Specialist of PAD. Scope and coverage, data and data sources and sub industries were included in the discussion. Open forum was then followed. The participants were given chance to raise questions/concerns and was answered by Mr. Polistico. After which, Ms. Ma. Libertie Masculino, Supervising Statistical Specialist of IAD, introduced the workshop proper. There were two workshops, the first Workshop had two parts. First part was the initial assessment on the economic structure and situation of the provinces of the Region. The second part was the planning and evaluation of the Provincial Product Accounts in the form of SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threats) Analysis. The second Workshop was the Data Assessment by Industry. She also presented the objectives, the mechanics of workshop 1 and 2 and the expected outcome.

On the second day, four breakout rooms were created for each province which was facilitated by four (4) facilitators, together with the provincial focal person. Each participant was tasked to evaluate the economic situation of their province in Central Visayas Region and examine the availability of data requirements of PPA. This was to see if the stakeholders are able to provide additional data sources that would contribute to the accuracy of the reports that will be made by the PPA. Right after the workshop, the representative from each province was asked to present and discuss their output.

The closing remarks was delivered by Ms. Jessamyn Anne Alcazaren, Chief Statistical Specialist of PSA-Bohol, she thanked the core team of PPA which is headed by ANS Vivian Ilarina of the Macroeconomic Accounts Service (MAS) and the lead facilitator. She also appreciated the collaborative participation of the stakeholders. She compared the PPA to a puzzle that if the different stakeholders provide the data needed and collaborates with PSA, the complete picture of a timely and asccurate product accounts in each province will be presented easily. She concluded, “What gets measured gets improved“.

This 2021, only three (3) regions are selected as PPA pilot regions namely: Region VII (Central Visayas), MIMAROPA and Region X (Northern Mindanao). All the provinces in these regions will be covered and will compile the results of the PPA to be released in December 2021. PPA will be institutionalized in the 17 regions and all provinces of the country by 2025.

The PPA is an opportunity to assess the economic performance of provinces for better planning, monitoring and decision-making. It is important in order for us to gauge the development of each province, improve our society and achieve a better and more sustainable quality of life to all Filipinos.