Building a Better Tomorrow: How PSA-Camiguin is Empowering Barangays for the 2024 Census

COURTESY: CAMIGUIN (PIA)

Hey there, Camiguin folks! Big news! The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has been hard at work preparing our barangays for the upcoming 2024 Census of Population and Community-Based Monitoring System (POPCEN-CBMS). If you’ve ever wondered how our local government plans and allocates resources, this is it. Accurate data collection is the backbone of effective governance, and PSA-Camiguin is making sure we get it right.

So, what’s the big deal about this census? Well, it’s all about identifying barangay activities and facilities like health and educational centers, and keeping tabs on government projects. This isn’t just a one-off thing; the data collected will be used to update the rural classification of barangays and serve as a reference for future geotagging activities. In simpler terms, it helps us know what we have and what we need to improve.

Now, let’s talk about the nitty-gritty. Starting from May 10 at the PSA Office’s Training Room in Mambajao, PSA-Camiguin kicked off a series of orientations and training sessions to get barangay officials up to speed. Representatives from 11 out of the 15 barangays in LGU Mambajao showed up, ready to learn. The hired team supervisor and statistical researcher guided them through essential concepts, definitions, and procedures for accurately filling out the POPCEN-CBMS forms. Pretty cool, right?

But that’s not all. On May 13, participants from 8 of the 9 barangays in LGU Sagay gathered at the Municipal SB Session Hall for another round of training. And it didn’t stop there. The PSA also held sessions in Guinsiliban, Catarman, and Mahinog, ensuring that every corner of the province is covered. Talk about dedication!

Leading the charge, PSA Camiguin Chief Statistical Specialist Francisco Galagar, Jr. spearheaded provincial-level training at the PSA’s provincial training room. This wasn’t just a one-day affair; starting on April 30, the training spanned several days. It focused on data collection, listing of service facilities, government projects, and even map generation. The goal? To equip personnel with the necessary skills to gather and review data from all 58 barangays in Camiguin. 

Galagar emphasized the importance of the collected data, saying, “The aim of this 2024 POPCEN-CBMS activity is to identify barangay activities and health, educational, and other facilities present in the locality, as well as to monitor government projects that were deployed within the April to May reference period.” He added that these initiatives are crucial for effective governance and development planning. 

Let’s hear from some of the participants. Engr. Luisito G. Napisa, the municipal planning and development officer, highlighted the significance of accurate information. He said, “Ang CBMS usa ka (CBMS is a) computerized and systematized information system that tells us information on the kind and type of interventions that can be given to a particular group of people or sector at a particular time. Pwede naman nato ma-generate ang data apil ang map (We can now generate the data as well as the map).” 

Another participant, Nestor Abecia, Jr., shared his thoughts, “Isip usa ka empleyado, nakat-onan nako sa orientation ang maong update sa distribution of shares of LGUs in the National Tax Allocation. Makatabang kini siya sa pag-uswag sa atoang share sa NTA kung kita nga mga katawhan sa LGU Guinsiliban mobayad og insakto sa atoang mga buwis. Mahatag usab niini ang mga nagkalain-laing serbisyo sa katawhan aron mapalambo ang maong lungsod.” In English, that means he learned about how the census data could help increase their share of the National Tax Allocation, provided everyone pays their taxes correctly. This, in turn, would allow for a variety of services to develop their town.

So, what’s next for PSA-Camiguin and our barangays? Galagar stressed that the successful completion of the 2024 POPCEN-CBMS is just the beginning. The insights gathered will help shape future policies and development in Camiguin. It’s not just about collecting data; it’s about using that data to make informed decisions that benefit everyone.

In summary, the PSA-Camiguin’s efforts underscore the importance of accurate data collection and monitoring for effective governance and development planning. With the participation of knowledgeable barangay representatives, the data gathered will be comprehensive and reliable. So, let’s all do our part and support this initiative. After all, a well-informed community is a thriving community!