Empowering Local Governance through Data: The Role of the Community-Based Monitoring System

 COURTESY: (APB/PIA-10)

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.

A New Era of Urban Living: The Latest Progress in Uptown Metropolis

IMAGE CREDITS: SG Eden Salvo Sabaldana Morre

As urban landscapes evolve, the need for modern mixed-use developments becomes paramount. The latest progress in Uptown Metropolis exemplifies this trend, with Phase 1 of A Brown Company's ambitious 9.13-hectare project now underway. This initiative signifies the dawn of a new era for the city, promising to redefine urban living through its innovative design and comprehensive amenities.

Construction Milestones: A Glimpse into the Future

As of September 2025, significant progress is visible at the site, particularly with the commencement of site fencing for the first tower of the Alexandrite Columns — the 14-storey Zircon Tower. This construction marks a crucial step in the development, as the tower is set to become a key feature of the Uptown Metropolis skyline. Additionally, fencing works are actively underway for the proposed high-end community mall, which has generated considerable excitement among residents and prospective visitors alike. Rumors suggest that the mall will feature a Rustan’s Department Store, further enhancing the allure of this new urban hub.

Transitioning from mere plans to tangible structures, A Brown Company’s commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of this development. The integration of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces within Uptown Metropolis not only caters to the diverse needs of the community but also fosters a vibrant lifestyle. As construction continues, stakeholders eagerly anticipate the completion of this landmark project, which promises to be a cornerstone of modern living in the city.

Paving the Path to Progress: The P150 Million Gusa-Puerto Coastal Bypass Road

COURTESY: Congressman Rufus Rodriguez

In the midst of torrential rains, a significant milestone unfolded in Cagayan de Oro as 2nd District Congressman Rufus Rodriguez initiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the P150 million continuation of the Gusa-Puerto section of the Coastal Road. This pivotal infrastructure project aims to alleviate chronic traffic congestion along the Butuan-Cagayan de Oro-Iligan Road (BCIR), the sole national highway traversing the city. The Gusa-Puerto section not only represents a steadfast commitment to improving local transportation but also underscores the importance of innovative infrastructure in fostering economic growth.

This project marks the continuation of the Puntod-Lapasan-Gusa section, which successfully concluded in 2017. Expected to be completed by 2028, the Gusa-Puerto section encompasses a four-lane concrete road stretching 9.3 kilometers. Notably, it will feature a series of bridges, with a total length of 1,000 meters, designed to span the Baloy Port and the Gusa, Cugman, Umalag, and Agusan rivers. The construction of this vital infrastructure will not only enhance connectivity within the city but will also significantly reduce travel times between Barangay Puerto and Barangay Igpit, from nearly two hours to a mere 25 minutes.

A Vision for Economic Empowerment

The benefits of the Gusa-Puerto Coastal Bypass Road extend far beyond mere convenience. Congressman Rodriguez emphasized that the project is anticipated to serve over 10,000 vehicles daily, enabling a substantial reduction in travel costs—estimated at 30%. Such efficiencies will undoubtedly stimulate economic activities by facilitating improved access for trade and commerce throughout Cagayan de Oro and its neighboring provinces.

In collaboration with various stakeholders, including local government officials and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Congressman Rodriguez remains dedicated to securing budget allocations necessary for the project’s successful completion. The collective efforts of city councilors, engineers, and community leaders at the groundbreaking ceremony exemplify a unified vision for Cagayan de Oro’s future. As the Gusa-Puerto section progresses, it symbolizes not only a physical transformation of the landscape but also a profound commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Kagay-anons and visitors alike.