MARAWI CITY -- The profiling and data storage of the Ministry of Social Services and Development's (MSSD) programs and interventions seem to move well as they transition to a technology-based data system this year.

The Ministry is expected to launch a community-based monitoring system (CBMS) in March, which makes data gathering efficient and easily accessible, aiding its identification of priority beneficiaries, including the communities in need of support.

MSSD Minister Atty. Raissa Jajurie explained that the system will help different government entities with policymaking and program-design mandates to work on poverty reduction across the Bangsamoro region.

“We cannot do (it) with paper-and-pen (process) anymore. We have moved to technology-based collection, storage, and retrieval that would allow us to use the data more efficiently,” said the Minister.

Jajurie also stated that CBMS is an advanced target-based solution that will mainly cater to gaps and challenges previously encountered through traditional means of data gathering, particularly those faced in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas in the BARMM.

On January 24, MSSD and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA-BARMM) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), with the ceremonial turnover of checks amounting to P72.5 million for CBMS implementation.

According to Jajurie, care packages will subsequently be provided, after gathering necessary data, to the identified, vulnerable, and marginalized beneficiaries, usually composed of senior citizens, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and orphaned children, among others.

Responding to the needs of the Bangsamoro people aligns with the 4th development goal under the 2nd Bangsamoro Development Plan, centered on inclusive, responsive, and quality services. (BIO/PIA Lanao del Sur)