BAGUIO CITY (PIA) - - The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the National Economic  and Development Authority (NEDA) call for support in  coming up with accurate statistical data in bringing about effective and responsive policies programs and services towards recovery from the COVID – 19 pandemic.

 “As we see and feel the effects of the recovery efforts done by both the public and the private sector, there is more reason for us to encourage everyone to provide and produce the right data, actively participate in economic activities and make informed decisions out of relevant available information”, PSA Cordillera Regional Director Villafe Alibuyog Alibuyog stressed during the  launching of  the 2022 National Statistics Month (NSM) at the Baguio Cultural and Convention Center here last week.   

Through the 2022 NSM theme of “Boosting the Country’s  Recovery with Informed Decisions, Better Policies,” Alibuyog said  the PSA wants to emphasize to the public, policy makers and program planners the critical role of statistics in crafting the most appropriate decisions and policies that are needed to boost efforts of the region and the country towards recovery.

NEDA – CAR Assistant Regional Director Stephanie Christiansen also outlined the importance of the public and all stakeholders in understanding and appreciating accurate statistical data in bringing effective and responsive policies programs and services needed for the country to move forward to a new and better normal.

 “I close this opening program with a prayer that each one of us find meaning in the numbers by asking a relevant question - So what does this statistics mean to what I do as an agency, as a local government unit, as a civil society organization, even as a citizen of this nation?

“Only when each one of us take responsibility and be informed  by statistics that we can be better advocates and practitioners for evidence – based decision making. Only then, too, can we have the confidence to translate our statistics – based insights to action. Thank you everyone and look forward to better statistics for better policies towards better lives,” Christiansen said.

In the NSM launching program, PSA – CAR Chief Statistical Specialist Aldrin Federico Bahit Jr. shared the highlights of the 2021 Family Income and Expenditure Survey and the 2021 Poverty Statistics of Cordillera, vis a vis the national and provincial data.

There was also infographics exhibition that highlights important socio – economic demographics in the region. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)