The 31^st National Statistics Month (NSM) celebration, with the theme, “Bridging Digital Gaps:  Making Information Available to All, formally commenced in La Union with a virtual opening ceremony on October 8, 2020 spearheaded by the Provincial Statistics Committee (PSC) and participated by line agencies and Local Government Units (LGUs).

This year’s theme recognizes the importance of digitalization in making quality information accessible and emphasizes the need to address the societal inequality in terms of access and use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and underscores that making information accessible to all enables leaders, policy-and decision-makers to formulate better plans to serve our country’s economic and social needs.

Governor Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III welcomed the
online participants in the opening of the 31^st NSM celebration in the province.  The Governor highlighted the importance of updated, accurate and analyzed statistics as the backbone for the development of programs and policies implemented by decision-makers.  “What gets measured gets managed and what gets managed gets done,” said Governor Ortega. 

In addition, he also noted that the importance of statistics is much more evident now as it serves as the basis for data-driven response and recovery programs related to the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. 

Undersecretary Claire Dennis S. Mapa, National Statistician and Civil Registrar General (NSCRG) of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), was invited as the Keynote Speaker during the virtual opening ceremony.  In his keynote message, he recalled his previous visit to La Union where he met the Local Civil Registrars, City Mayor Alfredo Pablo “Alf” R. Ortega, and Governor Ortega through online set up.  He noted how the lone City in the province takes initiative in developing its ICT dimension to enable inclusive growth while bringing the technology closer to all people especially to those disadvantaged by poverty. 

Usec. Mapa emphasized that, “This gradual transition from traditional to digital technology keeps us stable in our commitment in providing timely and accurate data needed by the government at the national level and at the local level. This initiative is critical to combat this health crisis and in formulating plans towards our country’s recovery.”

Moreover, Usec. Mapa also mentioned the start of pre-registration activities under the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) on October 12, 2020 and that the province of La Union is included in its initial implementation.  He said that the National ID initiative also uses technology to open a lot of opportunities for citizens particularly related to financial inclusion, social protection, and other opportunities. 

Usec.  Mapa said that the PSA shall continue to update and innovate ways in materializing trends of the 4^th Industrial Revolution.  “The NSM as a bridge connects us to our statistical innovation enhancing our knowledge in dealing with statistical risks and opportunities as we uphold the use of good quality data in our various organizations,” said Usec. Mapa.

He extended his appreciation to all partners for their support to the annual celebration to promote, enhance, and instill nationwide awareness and appreciation of the importance and value of statistics to our society.  He also encouraged everyone to join the government to heal as one and in making its way forward to achieve the goals of AmBisyonNatin 2040.

The Opening Ceremony also featured the audiovisual presentation of the different themes and nationwide activities of the NSM 30 years back.  The PSC also launched the digital exhibit that presented various statistics from line agencies and the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU).  

Another activity for the NSM in the province is the ceremonial ribbon cutting for the 31^st NSM statistical exhibit led by Usec. Mapa on October 10, 2020 set at PSA La Union Provincial Statistical Office.  The exhibit showcased various statistical data from line agencies and the PGLU through brochures, flyers, leaflets and infographics.

Due to community quarantine as effect of COVID-19 pandemic, most of the activities organized for the celebration were done virtually while some were implemented following health and safety protocols.  Other activities for the month-long celebration of the NSM in La Union were: hanging of NSM streamers and information advocacy campaign through social media;  Thanksgiving Mass; radio interviews in the programs “Tugtugan at Balitaan”, “Ti PSA ken Sika”,  and “Baro a TimektiKapitolyo”; Virtual Jingle Singing Contest, Virtual Oratorical Contest, Virtual Poster-Slogan Making Contest, Virtual Essay Writing Contest, Virtual Statistics Quiz and Governor’s Cup on Infographics Contest; Webinar on Statistical Report Writing; Virtual Symposium on Statistics and Civil Registration; and Virtual Closing Ceremony. 

The PSA Memorandum Circular No. 2020-20 was issued to enjoin all agencies of the government, LGUs, academic institutions, state universities and colleges, and the private sector at the national and subnational levels to actively participate in and support the 31st NSM and 3^rd World Statistics Day (WSD) in October 2020.

The NSM was first observed in 1990 pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 647 signed by then President Corazon C. Aquino on September 20, 1990 that had declared the month of October of every year as the National Statistics Month.  It aims to: (a) promote, enhance, and instill nationwide awareness and appreciation of the importance and value of statistics to the different sectors of society, and (b) elicit the cooperation and support of the general public in upgrading the quality and standards of statistics in the country.

SGD. DANITES E. TEÑIDO, Ph.D.
Chief Statistical Specialist