The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Region VII conducted a five-day Second Level Training on Cereals and Other Crops Survey last 3 – 7 September 2018 at PSA RSSO VII Conference Room.

Participants were the representatives of the four (4) provinces of Region 7. Each province sent two (2) representatives for the operational training. Trainers for the said second level training were SS II Ma. Cristina L. Biglang-awa, SA Eric Balios, and RO I Gaudiosa Oculares.

The first three-days of the training focused on the discussion of Cereals (Rice and Corn) particularly the group focused on Palay and Corn Production Survey (PCPS), which generates estimates on palay and corn production, area, and yield and other production-related data that serves as input for policy making, and programs on palay and corn; Monthly Palay and Corn Situation Report (MPCSR), the survey is conducted in two modules, the Palay Production Survey (PPS) and the Corn Production Survey (CPS). The data gathered from both modules include actual harvests for the current period and estimates for the next quarters based on standing crop and planting intentions. Estimates are subject to changes depending on weather conditions, inputs and outputs, prices and other factors which contribute largely to the deviations of the actual data from the early estimates. It aims to update the estimate of the current quarter based on standing crop and estimate for the next quarter based on planting intentions and provide monthly updates on area and production of palay and corn across the country; and the Palay and Corn Stock Survey (PCSS), a monthly survey which produces estimates of the current stocks of rice and corn in farming and non-farming households. It seeks to serve as input in the analysis of the seasonal trends and variations in the supply of rice and corn, serve as input for forecasting future supply and demand of palay and corn, and to assist policy-makers in the formulation, implementation and administration of agricultural economic programs.

The last two-days of the training on the other hand focused on the other crop commodities or the Crops Production Survey (CrPS). This particular survey covers more than 280 crops sub-classified under three commodity groupings, namely: Non-food and Industrial Crops, Fruit Crops, and Vegetable and Rootcrops. The commodity coverage by province differs and depends on what each province produces. It aims to generate basic production statistics for crops other than palay and corn at the national and sub-national levels. It is also to support the needs of planners, policy and decision makers, and other stakeholders in the agriculture sector and to provide periodic updates on crop related developments. It mainly captures the data on volume of production, area planted or harvested and number of bearing trees/hills/vines.

The training was scheduled to orient and re-orient PSA personnel on the different agricultural surveys especially for those newly assigned/designated as Provincial Supervisors. The knowledge that the participants got will then be cascaded down to the statistical researchers of their respective provinces during the conduct of third level training.

(Sgd.) Engr. ARIEL E. FLORENDO
Regional Director