CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--The 34th National Statistics Month (NSM) celebration in Northern Mindanao commenced Friday, Oct. 6, highlighting the significance of health-related data and statistics in advancing the region's development.

Hosted by the Department of Health-Center for Health and Development (DOH-CHD)-10, the opening ceremony showcased the different information systems utilized by the DOH-CHD-10 to gather, compile, and analyze health data. 

These include the Tuberculosis Information System, Epidemiology and Surveillance Information System, and One HIV, AIDS and STI Information System.

This year’s NSM celebration carries the theme: “Accelerating Progress: Promoting Data and Statistics for Healthy Philippines," to emphasize the importance of data and statistics in enhancing health outcomes. It also seeks to raise awareness and appreciation of the importance and value of health statistics to the different sectors of society.

In her opening message, Dr. Steffi Grace Enon of DOH-CHD-10 underscored the power of data and statistics in decision-making. 

"Through sound data, our health leaders and country leaders were able to make sound and effective decisions because they have evidence on hand," she said.

She also articulated the value of data transparency in building trust and in risk communication. "If we are transparent with the public, we can guide them, allay their fears, and convince them to comply with the minimum public health standards," she added.

Leonila Cajarte, the assistant regional director of the National Economic and Development Authority-10, stressed that the global pandemic has underlined the necessity of data-driven decision-making in healthcare.

"Health data serves as the bedrock upon which we build effective healthcare systems and policies, as well as services and interventions that impact the lives of the people in Northern Mindanao," she said.

She also stated that the celebration is an opportune time to reflect on the power of data in driving policy decisions, improving healthcare systems, and fostering a healthier Philippines.

Meanwhile, throughout October, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-10 has lined up a series of activities to raise awareness of the great importance of data-driven decision-making.

Chief Statistical Specialist Sarah Balagbis said an Inter-Agency Statistical Exhibit is scheduled on October 16-20 to be participated by the member agencies of the Regional Statistics Committee (RSC). An Infographics-making contest for RSC members and local government units and a TikTok-making contest for college students are also happening during the month.

Moreover, a tree planting is slated on October 20 for RSC member agencies, a Statistics Quiz provincial elimination on October 19, a Trivia contest, and a Data Appreciation Seminar and Statistics Quiz Show for media practitioners on October 25. 

"The Closing ceremony will be on October 27 to be hosted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. During the closing, we will also be conducting a press conference for the September 2023 inflation report in Northern Mindanao," Balagbis added. (APB/PIA-10)