19 April 2024 – Pasay City. The Philippine Statistics Authority National Capital Region – Provincial Statistical Office V (PSA NCR – PSO V) headed by Chief Statistical Specialist (CSS), Ms. Estrella R. Vargas, together with Supervising Statistical Specialist, Ms. Judie Rhisa G. Baluran and Senior Statistical Specialist (SrSS), Mr. Joemar P. Jerez, conducted the convening of the 2024 Community – Based Monitoring System (CBMS) and Integrated Census of Population (POPCEN) Coordinating Board in Pasay City on 18 April 2024 at the Conference Room, City Hall Bldg., F.B. Harrison St., Pasay City.

The activity centered on the primary considerations on the ways and means for a well-polish collaboration among the stakeholders involve in the 2024 integrated POPCEN and 2024 CBMS as well as to prioritize the over-all outlay of these activities ensuring that all necessary requirements are in place prior to and during the 2024 CBMS and 2024 POPCEN operations, as well as addressing any issues or concerns encountered during the actual implementation within the jurisdiction of the Local Government Unit (LGU).  

Hence, construed with the prevailing commitment on the purpose of the 2024 CBMS and 2024 Integrated POPCEN convening activities, SrSS Jerez delved into the presentation and discussion on the details of the topics during the event which includes: background, legal bases, objectives, scope, coverage, data items, timeline, and possible assistance to be provided by the coordinating board for the 2024 Integrated POPCEN and 2024 CBMS. Moreover, CSS Vargas and PSO V staff illuminated various insights and significant views regarding the concerns from the attendees for the effective implementation of POPCEN and CBMS in the city. It was agreed that the city will be utilizing a third-party service provider in the implementation of the 2024 CBMS in which the PSA will take its part as deemed necessary and as reflected in the general agreement of the PSA and the LGU.  Similarly, the proposed schedule for the conduct of the 2024 CBMS and 2024 POPCEN in the city will not be later than October 2024.

Accordingly, the intricacies on the importance of the CBMS and POPCEN data will be instrumental to facilitate a more in-depth analysis of poverty and enable better prioritization of needs within the community. Through these data, decision-makers will have access to a wealth of information that can inform policies and interventions aimed at addressing various aspects of poverty and improving the well-being of the community geared towards poverty alleviation and economic development. As such, the activity was concluded with a closing message given by the Pasay City Mayor, Hon. Imelda G. Calixto-Rubiano where she extended appreciation to the attendees and to all partners and stakeholders who will be taking its invaluable parts to make the conduct of 2024 CBMS and 2024 integrated POPCEN successful and somehow beneficial to the LGU most especially to the constituents of the city. 

-Regional Statistics Services Office–NCR PSO V