In recent years, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has emerged as a pivotal player in enhancing local governance through data-driven initiatives. During the 2025 Regional Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Convention and Data Festival held in Cagayan de Oro City, officials emphasized the significance of CBMS as a vital tool for local government units (LGUs). By providing timely, accurate, and localized data, the CBMS empowers LGUs to make informed decisions that directly address the needs of their communities.
PSA Regional Director Janith C. Aves articulated the critical role of CBMS in facilitating evidence-based policy formulation, governance, and development planning. He asserted that the system supplies LGUs with the necessary data to design interventions that reflect the realities on the ground. This approach enables local governments to implement targeted programs that genuinely meet the needs of their constituents, thereby fostering more effective governance.
Advancing Community Welfare through Targeted Data
Maria Evangeline N. Non, chief statistical specialist at PSA-Bukidnon, elaborated on how CBMS promotes the development of "agile communities." By adhering to four guiding principles—data-driven governance, people-centered development, responsive and adaptive planning, and participatory governance—CBMS supports local governments in crafting tailored poverty alleviation and development programs. This localized focus allows LGUs to move beyond generic solutions, instead prioritizing what truly matters to each community sector.
Furthermore, CBMS plays a crucial role in providing essential data on pressing issues, such as access to clean water, education for out-of-school children, and vulnerability to disasters. Non emphasized that by placing people at the center of data collection, CBMS enhances the quality of life for community members and identifies areas where targeted interventions are most urgently needed. This data-driven approach fosters inclusion, accountability, and trust within communities, ultimately transforming how local governance operates.
The Community-Based Monitoring System represents a significant advancement in the quest for effective local governance in the Philippines. By empowering LGUs with accurate, localized data, CBMS not only enhances decision-making processes but also builds resilient and future-ready communities. As the PSA continues to champion this initiative, the potential for improved governance and community welfare remains promising.
