04 October 2024 – City of Calamba. The 35th National Statistics Month kicked off in CALABARZON with the theme "Advancing Data and Statistics Through Digital Transformation: A Road to an Empowered Nation". Hosted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Region IV-A and by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region IV-A, the opening ceremony underscored the pivotal role of digital transformation in shaping the future of data management and statistical analysis in the region and in the whole country.
In her welcome message, Regional Director Charito C. Armonia of PSA IV-A highlights the significance of adapting digital transformation to have more timely and accurate data and ensure that data-driven decisions are at the heart of sustainable development. Meanwhile, Dir. Carmel Matabang, OIC Regional Director of the National Economic and Development Authority Region IV-A in her message, emphasized the importance of statistics for policymaking and decision-making in government including making plans and projects that will make sure that no one is left behind.
As one of the speakers, Ms. Laarni F. Tolentino, Center Manager from DICT IV-A discussed how infographics are utilize to interpret  and present data to the public. By transforming complex statistics into visually appealing and easy-to-understand graphics that policymakers and data users can use to make informed decisions. In addition, Ms. Des'ree Joy D. Lechuga, Project Development Officer of DICT IV-A emphasized the importance of leveraging digital platforms to create dynamic visual representations that enhance data comprehension and drive actionable insights.

Ms. Charity O. Bautista, OIC of the Statistical Operations Coordination Division of PSA IV-A, shared a paper presented during the Philippine Statistical Association Inc. Annual Conference authored by Assistant National Statistician Kristine Joy S. Briones et al. entitled  “The Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) as a tool for impact-based local governance in the Philippines”. By harnessing the CBMS results, local governments can implement evidence-based policies that address the specific needs of their constituents, fostering inclusive development and sustainable growth. Specifically, at the local level, CBMS helps formulate and implement poverty alleviation and development programs tailored to community needs. Nationally, it provides updated data for targeting beneficiaries and generating local-level statistics, including Sustainable Development Goals indicators and the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI).  The MPI is a measure to capture deprivation of families/households in various dimensions, that is helpful in targeting reasons for the poverty situation in the communities.
The opening ceremony drew participation from government agencies, local government units, academe, and the media, all united in their commitment to harnessing digital transformation for the advancement of data and statistics in CALABARZON.
As the 35th National Statistics Month unfolds, stakeholders are encouraged to explore innovative approaches in data management and statistical analysis, paving the way for a more empowered and data-driven nation.

(SGD)
CHARITO C. ARMONIA
Regional Director

COB/LOM/SNE