Calanasan, Apayao - On January 18, 2024, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Provincial Statistical Office (PSO) of Apayao handed over the 2022 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) data to the Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) of Calanasan, Apayao during a ceremonial turnover at the EKB Clubhouse, Poblacion, Calanasan, Apayao.

The activity marks an important milestone for the municipality, as it leads the census in collaboration with the PSA. The ceremony was attended by Mayor Shamir M. Bulut as well as Calanasan department heads. Symbolically, the data in a flash drive was handed over to municipal leaders and officials, who then signed the data turnover agreement, which included strict data security protections under the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

Mayor Bulut extended his deepest gratitude to the Provincial Government of Apayao, through Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr., PSA, and the 2022 CBMS personnel of LGU Calanasan, for their critical contribution in assisting the town in achieving its goal of having comprehensive data for local planning purposes.

Dr. Chowen Jay P. Arellano, Senior Statistical Specialist and CBMS Provincial Focal Person of PSO Apayao, presented highlights from the municipality's 2022 CBMS results. He also shared the highlights of the Household and Barangay Profile Questionnaire results. The presentation includes information on critical utilities such as power, internet, water, toilets, safety, food insecurity, and disaster preparedness. He also emphasized the importance of consistent support from local leaders for PSA surveys and censuses.

Mayor Bulut, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (MPDC) Benavidez Ignacio, and municipal heads of LGU Calanasan accepted the data with gratitude, assurance, and a commitment to use it with utmost care and maximize its potential in policymaking and program planning to help improve the lives of their constituents.

Furthermore, MPDC Ignacio discussed their priorities for the 2022 CBMS data, emphasizing the necessity of data security in accordance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012.

The ceremony closed with a message from Supervising Statistical Specialist Corazon B. Bagto, who emphasized the importance of CBMS data and its responsible use in accordance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012. She emphasizes that the basic data at the municipal level is very important to plan for the future if the commitment is ‘leave no one behind’. She also expressed optimism that the data will be of significant help to the LGU in its goal of improving the quality of life in the town.

This historic event marks a significant advancement in the use of data for informed decision-making, bringing a strong collaborative approach to community development to success.

Approved for release 
 

GEOFFREY B. CALIMUHAYAN 
Chief Statistical Specialist 
Apayao Provincial Statistical Office 


BAM