The 35th National Statistics Month (NSM) Regional Opening Ceremony of Region I was held at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)-La Union branch on 02 October 2024. The theme for this year’s NSM is “Advancing Data and Statistics Through Digital Transformation: A Road to an Empowered Nation.”

Ms. Stephanie F. Christiansen, Regional Director of the National Economic and Development Authority Regional Office I (NEDA-1) and Regional Statistics Committee-1 (RSC-1) Chairperson extended a warm welcome to the participants, while Ms. Madelyn Lerma P. Viernes, Area Director of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) – La Union Branch delivered a message. On the other hand, Ms. Jaemie D. Ruiz-Chua, Chief of the Administrative and Finance Division of the Department of Information and Communications Technology Regional Office I (DICT-RO1), represented the agency’s Regional Director, Mr. June Vincent Manuel S. Gaudan as the keynote speaker emphasizing the significance of statistics for data-driven planning and implementation of DICT’s digitalization programs in the region and the entire country.

During the event, the importance of statistics was highlighted through the presentation of the agency’s various statistical programs such as 1) Digital Financial Literacy by BSP Bank Officer II, Mr. Gomer C. Gomez; 2) eGov Mobile Application by DICT Information Systems Analyst III, Mr. Rafael B. Sotto; and 3) 2022-2023 Vital Statistics by PSA Registration Officer lV, Ms. Zenaida L. Garcillan.

One of the key moments of the event was the introduction of the 35th NSM Digital Statistical Exhibit by PSA Statistical Analyst, Ms. Michelle Mae Esperanza. The digital statistical exhibit showcases statistical information and various Information and Education Campaign (IEC) materials from the member agencies of the Regional Statistics Committee l.

Lastly, Atty. Sheila O. De Guzman, Regional Director of the Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Services Office I (PSA-RSSO I) and RSC-I Vice-Chairperson, conveyed the closing remarks urging everyone to show support throughout the month-long celebration and continue advocating for the appropriate use of statistics for the development of all.

SGD. ATTY. SHEILA O. DE GUZMAN, CPA
Regional Director