The Province of La Union headed by Governor Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III supports the month-long celebration of the 31st National Statistics Month (NSM) in the province with the theme “NSM@32: Revving up for the Economic and Social Recovery Through Evidence-Based Policies.”

This year’s theme was inspired by the “Recharge PH” Program of the government which rallies all sectors of the economy and all Filipino people to adopt a “whole of society approach” to unite and contribute towards economic recovery.  The theme accentuates the importance of statistics as bases for policy decisions to address the socioeconomic impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and emphasizes that using relevant statistics as solid evidence will guide and support the nation’s efforts in navigating the pandemic towards socioeconomic recovery. 

The 32nd NSM celebration in the province kicked off with an Opening Ceremony conducted through videoconferencing spearheaded by the Provincial Statistics Committee (PSC) and was participated by representatives from various National Government Agencies (NGA’s), Local Government Units (LGUs), academe and the media.

In the opening ceremony, Governor Ortega delivered his welcome message and expressed his sincerest greetings to all the virtual participants for being able to adopt to the needs of the new normal.  Noting this year’s theme, he said that, “indeed, it is fitting and high time to ensure that all decisions that we make and policies that we will adopt is evidence-based. As I always say, what gets measured, gets managed; and what gets managed, gets done.”  He assured everyone that he will continue to support data and evidence-based programs, projects and activities that will lead to inclusive growth and recovery for all kaprobinsiaan to build a stronger La Union that is worth living in.

Atty. Sheila O. De Guzman, Officer-In-Charge of Philippine Statistics Authority Regional Director of Regional Statistical Services Office I (PSA-RSSO I) also gave her message, and reflected on the 32nd NSM theme.

Undersecretary Claire Dennis S. Mapa, National Statistician and Civil Registrar General (NSCRG) of the PSA also delivered his message and gave insights based on the 32nd NSM theme.  “As the theme depicts, we, in the statistical community believe that with the use of quality and relevant statistics, both the government and the private sector can craft effective policies and recovery strategies that will support our efforts to cushion the socioeconomic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Usec. Mapa.  He further stressed that in these unprecedented times, statistics has been playing a significant role in imparting awareness and providing relevant information to the public like keeping track on the number of positive cases per day per city/municipality, all active and recovered, the number of displaced and unemployed workers, as well as the prices of commodities, and among others.

Usec. Mapa also presented some important milestone achieved during the year despite the mobility constraints post by the pandemic such as earlier releases of official statistics under the System of Designated Statistics like the Labor Force Survey, Gross Integrated Product, Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries, Inflation and Trade Statistics.  He also mentioned the release of the official data on the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, on-going implementation of the Philippine Identification System, and 2021 Pilot Community-Based Monitoring System that will be conducted this month.

Meanwhile, Ms. Bernadeth May M. Mamitag, Supervising Labor and Employment served as the event’s resource speaker on behalf Ms. Veronica Paola Abero, Provincial Director of the Department of Labor and Employment. She presented the accomplishment and assistance provided by the Department of Labor and Employment La Union Field Office that includes the different programs implemented during the pandemic for year 2020 and as of September 2021 like the Tulong Pangkabuhayan para sa mga Disadvantage/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), Government Internship Program (GIP), DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program, partnership with the Department of Trade Industry Monitoring, COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program, and Project Angel Tree. 

The Opening Ceremony also featured the winners of the Jingle Making Contest under Tertiary and Secondary Level.  The digital exhibit prepared by the PSC that featured various statistics from its member agencies was launched.  Said digital exhibit is posted at the facebook page of PSA La Union for the information of the public. 

Dr. Danites E. Teñido, Chief Statistical Specialist of PSA – La Union expressed her deepest appreciation to all who joined the virtual opening ceremony and invited them to join in various virtual activities for the month-long celebration of the NSM.  She reminded everyone on the objectives of the NSM that is (1) to promote, enhance and instill awareness and appreciation of the importance and value of statistics to the different sectors of society; and to elicit the cooperation and support of the general public in upgrading the quality and standards of statistics in the country. 

Other activities for the NSM celebration include:  hanging of streamer; posting of social media cards; on-site NSM statistical exhibit; Radio Interviews at “Tugtan at Balitaan” (October 5) and DZAG Radyo Pilipinas Agoo (October 6); Tree Planting (October 6); Online Symposium on Statistics and Civil Registrataion (October 19-21); Launching of the Knowledge Resource Hub – October 22; Presentation of the Establishment of an electronic Ecological Profile to LGUs  - October 22; Statistical Training (October 25); and Closing Ceremony (October 28).    In addition, the PSC also conducted provincial NSM contests that include:  Virtual Jingle Making Contest (October 4); Virtual Digital Art Work Making Contest (Secondary and Tertiary, TVET Category)  -October 18; Virtual Essay Writing Contest (Secondary, Tertiary and Employee Levels) – October 19; Virtual Statistics Quiz (Employee Level) – October 20; 2nd Governor’s Cup on Infographics Making Contest (Employee Level)- October 22; and Provincial Statistical Digital Exhibit Contest (LGUs) –October 22.

All the activities in the province were initiated by the Provincial Government of La Union through the (PrSC) chaired by EnP Michaela Louise Delfinado and co-chaired by Dr. Tenido.  This year, the province is pursuing to regain the Best NSM Province Implementer title in Ilocos Region with the conduct of various activities based on the following criteria:  diversity of activities (30%); extent of participation of cooperating agencies and LGUs (25%); conveys favorable image of the province (20%); economy and ingenious use of resources (15%); and innovation (10%).

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

The PSC, through PSC Resolution No. 6, Series of 2021, approved the NSM calendar of activities for the province and enjoins all Provincial Line Agencies (PLAs), LGUs, academic institutions and the private sector to support the 32nd NSM celebration in the La Union.   

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