The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-La Union, together with the Provincial Statistics Committee (PSC), marked the conclusion of La Union's 35^th National Statistics Month (NSM) celebration in the province through a closing ceremony and the awarding of 35^th NSM contest winners on 28 October 2024 at the Department of Education (DepEd) La Union Schools Division Office (LUSDO) Conference Center, Brgy. Catbangen, City of San Fernando, La Union.

The Closing Ceremony was attended by winners of the 35^th NSM contests from the public and private secondary and tertiary schools, Local Government Units (LGUs), Provincial Line Agencies (PLAs), and the media.

During the closing ceremony, Schools Division Superintendent Jorge M. Reinante of the Department of Education (DepEd)-La Union Schools Division Office (LUSDO), delivered the opening remarks. It was followed by the message of Hon. Governor Raphaelle Veronica "Rafy" Ortega-David delivered by Dr. Eleazar Belgica, the Office of the Provincial Governor (OPG) Executive Assistant (EA).

Meanwhile, Supervising Statistical Specialist (SSS) Teresa B. Olarte, Officer-In-Charge (OIC) of the PSA-Regional Statistical Services Office I (RSSO I) Statistical Operations and Coordination Division (SOCD), delivered the message of Regional Director (RD) Atty. Sheila O. De Guzman of PSA- RSSO I, the guest speaker of the closing ceremony. In her message, SSS Olarte emphasized the role of technology in enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of statistical information, particularly through digital platforms.

Chief Statistical Specialist (CSS) Danites E. Teñido, PhD, of PSA – La Union and SSS Olarte, together with the members of the Provincial Statistics Committee (PSC), led the awarding of the 35^th NSM contest winners which was the highlight of the closing ceremony. The winners were awarded plaques, medals, certificates, and cash prizes. Representatives from the component LGUs of the province were also awarded a certificate of appreciation, recognizing their engagement in La Union's NSM celebration.

To conclude the event, Dr. Teñido expressed her gratitude to the PGLU, the PSC Technical Working Group (TWG), PLAs, LGUs, academic institutions, and the media for their unwavering support in promoting the value and use of statistics through the NSM celebration. Dr. Teñido also extended her congratulations to the winners of the NSM contests, along with their coaches, and encouraged all participants to apply the valuable insights and knowledge gained during the month-long celebration.

SGD. DANITES E. TEÑIDO, PhD
Chief Statistical Specialist

/mbl

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