The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) – La Union Provincial Statistical Office will conduct the October 2020 round of the Labor Force Survey (LFS) along with its rider surveys, the 2020 Survey on Overseas Filipinos (SOF) and the Awareness Survey on Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) and the Philippine Competition Act (PCA), starting on October 8, 2020 in La Union using the Computer-Aided Personal Interview (CAPI).

The LFS is a nationwide quarterly survey of households conducted by the PSA to gather data on demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the population. It aims to provide a quantitative framework for the preparation of plans and formulation of policies affecting the labor market. On the other hand, the 2020 SOF is a nationwide survey that seeks to gather information on Filipino citizens who left for abroad during the last five years. The survey targets to provide data on overseas Filipinos particularly the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with contract and their contribution to the economy. It is essential in the formulation of policies and programs on overseas Filipinos.

The PCC is a newly-constituted independent quasi-judicial body mandated to implement the national competition policy, and enforce the Philippine Competition Act or Republic Act (RA)10667, which serves as the primary competition law in the Philippines for promoting and protecting competitive market.  It is designed to achieve a world-class authority in promoting fair market competition to help achieve a vibrant and inclusive economy and advance consumer welfare.

Under the supervision of the Chief Statistical Specialist and Provincial Focal Person, a total sample of about 404 randomly selected households will be visited in the province by nine hired Statistical Researchers (SRs).   

Relative to the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) crisis, the PSA assures that all hired SRs are in good health condition and will adhere with the minimum health standards as well as precautionary measures such as strict observance of social distancing, wearing of face mask/shield, use of alcohol, and proper hygiene and sanitation in all phases of the survey operation.

The PSA enjoins the support of the Local Government Units (LGUs) and cooperation of sample households in providing truthful, complete and accurate information to the enumerators despite this crisis. The information gathered will ultimately serve as a vital input in evidence-based planning and decision-making. The respondents are assured that data to be collected in the survey shall be covered by the confidentiality of information clause under Section 26 of Republic Act 10625.  Protection of privacy of participants is also ensured in accordance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012, wherein responses will be treated with utmost confidentiality. 

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