PSA QUEZON JOINS THE SECOND QUARTER 2025 NATIONAL SIMULTANEOUS EARTHQUAKE DRILL
by Patricia Faye V. Misula

In a continuing commitment to strengthen disaster preparedness across the nation, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Quezon Provincial Statistical Office successfully participated in the Second Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED). The exercise took place on June 19, 2025, at 9:00 AM, at the provincial office in Pacific Mall, Lucena City.

The nationwide drill, spearheaded by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), serves as a crucial initiative to raise public awareness and educate individuals on proper safety protocols to observe during seismic events. Upon the activation of the siren, which signaled the simulated earthquake,       all PSA Quezon employees promptly and efficiently executed the standard "Drop, Cover, and Hold" procedure.

A total of 21 employees actively took part in the exercise. Throughout the drill, safety officers were strategically stationed at key locations to provide guidance to personnel, ensure an orderly evacuation process, and monitor strict adherence to established safety procedures. The entire drill was completed in approximately 15 minutes, carried out in full compliance with national emergency preparedness guidelines.

Post-activity assessments revealed strong participation and a high level of awareness among the personnel. Feedback from participants and the safety team were carefully   reviewed and utilized to further enhance existing emergency response procedures in preparation for future drills.

The successful conduct of this earthquake drill shows the PSA Quezon's unwavering commitment to fostering and promoting a robust culture of safety and preparedness within the workplace.

QUEZON'S INFLATION RATE INCREASES TO 2.5 PERCENT
by Michel G. Formanes & Shanell Clarence N. Gaela

The headline inflation or overall inflation in Quezon province increased to 2.5 percent in May 2025, from 2.1 percent in April 2025. This brings the average inflation rate of the province from January to May 2025 to 3.6 percent. Moreover, the inflation rate in May 2024 was higher, at 4.5 percent.

The increase in overall inflation for May 2025 was mainly due to the higher index of housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, which rose to 1.1 percent during the month from 0.1 percent in April 2025.

Food inflation in Quezon province slightly increased to 3.9 percent in May 2025, from 3.8 percent in April 2025. In May 2024, food inflation was higher at 7.5 percent.

The increase in food inflation in May 2025 was primarily due to the higher year-on-year increase in the fish and other seafood index, which went up from 5.2 percent in the previous month to 7.8 percent during the month.

LUCENA CITY'S INFLATION RATE RISES TO 1.5 PERCENT
by Michel G. Formanes & Shanell Clarence N. Gaela

The headline inflation or overall inflation in Lucena City increased to 1.5 percent in May 2025, from 1.2 percent in April 2025. This brings the average inflation rate of the city from January to May 2025 to 2.3 percent. In May 2024, the inflation rate was higher at 4.4 percent.

The acceleration in the inflation rate of Lucena City was primarily influenced by the higher annual increase in housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, which rose to 0.2 percent during the month from -0.9 percent in the previous month.

Also contributing to the increase in overall inflation were the higher annual increments in the indices of the following commodity groups during the month: a. Food and non-alcoholic beverages at 3.9 percent, from 3.8 percent; b. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco at 3.2 percent, from 2.5 percent; c. Recreation, sport and culture at 0.5 percent, from 0.2 percent; d. Restaurants and accommodation services at 2.2 percent, from 1.9 percent; and e. Personal care, and miscellaneous goods and services at 0.5 percent, from 0.3 percent.

PSA QUEZON SUPPORTS DILG’S RCSP BY DELIVERING NATIONAL ID SERVICES
by Kristhyle Anne C. Jarviña

The Philippine Statistics Authority Quezon actively participated in the DILG’s Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) Serbisyo Caravan. This collaborative effort aimed to bridge governance and development gaps by delivering essential government services directly to communities.

As a key component of its involvement, PSA Quezon spearheaded a robust National ID advocacy campaign and conducted on-site registration activities across various municipalities within Quezon Province. This initiative successfully reached and registered 192 individuals, who immediately received their paper-format National ID (ePhilID) on the same day.

The program's core objective was to extend National ID services directly to grassroots communities, ensuring accessibility and convenience for residents. Beyond mere registration, the PSA utilized this platform to raise crucial awareness about the National ID system and its multifaceted benefits. A key message reiterated during the caravan was the free nature of National ID services, the open registration for all ages, and the strict prohibition of double registration.

By strategically bringing these vital services to local barangays, the PSA significantly reduced the burden of long-distance travel for residents, often a major deterrent to accessing government programs. This impactful collaboration between PSA Quezon and the DILG's RCSP underscores a shared dedication to ensuring all citizens have equitable access to essential government services, fostering inclusivity and sustainable development within the province.