Through the assistance and with a series of consultations from the Regional Statistical Services Office–Cordillera Administrative Region (RSSO-CAR), Benguet State University (BSU) and the Department of Agriculture–Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-CAR) successfully secured clearance from the Statistical Survey Review and Clearance System (SSRCS) for two simultaneous surveys: “Highland Vegetables Value Chain Analysis Survey (Round 2)” and “Production Costs and Returns Survey for High-Value Crops.”

The consultative meetings focused on reviewing and refining the sampling methodology to enhance the accuracy of the survey results. Among the main discussions were the determination of sample size, stratification techniques, and data collection procedures accurate to the highland vegetables’ characteristics. PSA-CAR Senior Statistical Specialist Ma. Gina V. De Guzman and Statistical Analyst Shemaiah C. Gabuyo attended the series of technical consultations with the survey committee.

The objectives of the surveys are:

1)    To describe the socioeconomic and farm characteristics, production and postharvest practices, and marketing practices of highland vegetable farmers;
2)    To determine the farm-level productivity, costs and profitability of selected traded highland vegetables;
3)    To update the value chain of selected highland vegetables; and
4)    To determine the changes in the vegetable farming landscape since 2019.

BSU will conduct the survey in collaboration with DA-CAR. The surveys will collect essential data on the following: farmer and farm profile, crops management practices, inputs, yield, post-production handling, marketing practices, market outlets, trader and traders’ profile, production and marketing costs, and profitability.

The surveys will cover 1,411 households with an allocated budget of PhP1.5 million. Data collection is scheduled from March to May 2025, with survey results expected to be released in January 2026.

The surveys have been reviewed and cleared under the SSRCS, a mechanism implemented by the PSA pursuant to Rule 28 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 10625.

The PSA strongly encourages all sampled households to actively participate in the survey by providing accurate and truthful information for data-driven evaluation of agricultural development.

For more information on the SSRCS, visit https://psa.gov.ph/ssrcs or contact the PSA Standards Service’s Statistical Standards Division via email at ssd.ssrcs@psa.gov.ph.
    

(SGD)
VILLAFE P. ALIBUYOG
Regional Director

Designation    Initials             Date
CSS                 AFRBJr            21 April 2025
SrSS                MGVDG    
COSW             SCG                15 April 2025