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! 

Bridging Tradition and Innovation: A Spotlight on Lola Sasing’s Food Products

CREDIT: The official page of the Department of Science and Technology region 10

In the quaint and vibrant locale of Brgy. Binaliwan, Mahinog, Camiguin, a noteworthy endeavor unfolds as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Camiguin embarks on a journey to blend heritage with innovation. This initiative, through the Technology Needs Assessment (TNA), is notably cast on Lola Sasing’s Food Products, a beacon of local ingenuity and tradition. On April 4, 2024, a pivotal assessment was conducted, focusing on their Corn Coffee with Malunggay and Sambong, and Tablea processing. This process wasn’t just an evaluation; it symbolized a step towards a future where technology empowers tradition.

The undertaking by DOST Camiguin did not happen in a vacuum. It was a meticulously planned approach to identify technical constraints that Lola Sasing's Food Products faced in their production line. During the Technology Needs Assessment, the team delved into every aspect of Corn Coffee with Malunggay and Sambong, and Tablea processing. The aim was clear: assess, identify, and propose. It was about understanding the minutiae of the production process and pinpointing areas ripe for improvement through science and technology interventions. 

One can’t help but marvel at how traditional food products, beloved by many, were at the cusp of a revolutionary transformation. The assessment was not merely about identifying problems but more about charting a path for the application of the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). This initiative is a testament to DOST Camiguin’s commitment to empowering local enterprises by integrating science and technology solutions into their operations. The program is designed to enhance not only production efficiency but also product quality, ensuring competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market.

Following the comprehensive evaluation, the DOST team proposed tailored science and technology interventions. These are not just solutions; they are a blueprint for the future, ensuring Lola Sasing's Food Products can overcome existing challenges. The focus was on optimizing processing techniques, enhancing packaging, and improving product preservation, amongst others. These interventions promise not only to elevate the quality of Corn Coffee with Malunggay and Sambong, and Tablea but also to streamline the production process.

The concluding phase of this journey is about implementation and beyond. As science and technology interventions are gradually integrated, the essence of Lola Sasing’s Food Products is not just preserved; it’s invigorated. This venture is a beacon for similar enterprises, demonstrating how traditional products can thrive and adapt through the infusion of modern technological solutions. It’s a narrative about how DOST Camiguin and Lola Sasing’s Food Products are together weaving a tale of innovation, tradition, and transformation.

The Technology Needs Assessment conducted for Lola Sasing’s Food Products is more than just an audit. It’s a groundbreaking initiative that sets a precedent for how tradition and technology can merge to forge a brighter future. This initiative lays down a framework for other local enterprises to follow, showcasing that with the right interventions and support, the heritage of the past can meet the innovation of the future, creating products that are not only unique but also competitive on a global scale. Through this endeavor, DOST Camiguin and Lola Sasing’s Food Products are charting a path forward where tradition and technology coalesce, heralding a new era for local enterprises.