The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-La Union Provincial Statistical Office conducted an information dissemination forum on the 2023 Census of Philippine Business and Industry (CPBI) and its rider survey, the 2023 Input-Output Survey of Philippine Business and Industry (IOSPBI), as well as informs on the latest updates of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) and Birth Registration Assistance Project (BRAP).

Respondents from sample establishments for the 2023 CPBI and IOSPBI were invited to get oriented on how to fill out the questionnaires and to be informed on the PhilSys updates and BRAP.

During the activity, the 2023 CPBI and IOSPBI Provincial Focal Person (PFP) Statistical Specialist II (SS II) Susan Cora F. Hufana, discussed how to fill out the 2023 CPBI and IOSPBI survey material. She also informed that sample establishments are given multiple options on how they can respond to the survey. These include using the online questionnaire available at https://cpbi.psa.gov.ph, utilizing an electronic questionnaire in portable document format (PDF), or completing the printed copy of the Self-Administered Questionnaire (SAQ).

The 2023 CPBI is the 17^th in the series of economic censuses in the country and is one of the three national censuses being conducted by the PSA, which seeks to collect and generate information on the levels, structure, performance, and trends of economic activities of the establishments in the economy for the year 2023.

The full cycle of the 2023 CPBI has two major phases: 2023 CPBI Phase 1, which is the 2023 Updating of the List of Establishments (ULE) conducted last year, and 2023 CPBI Phase 2, which is now the conduct of the census proper. 

Additionally, the 2023 IOSPBI is the 9th of the Input-Output (I-O) survey series conducted by the PSA, which aims to collect detailed information on revenue, expenses, and inventories by product of businesses and industries in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Statistical Analyst (SA) Karl Josef G. Hufana Alternate Focal Person (AFP) also presented the result of the 2021 ULE in La Union. Mr. Hufana informed that a total of 9,909 establishments in La Union, employing 44,041 individuals were recorded in La Union in 2021. The top three sectors were: wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles with 4,788 establishments; accommodation and food service activities with 1,468 establishments; and manufacturing with 1,457 establishments. In terms of the number of establishments, the City of San Fernando remained as the center of business and industry in La Union with 2,850 establishments, followed by Bauang with 951 establishments, and Agoo with 692 establishments.

Moreover, PhilSys Focal Person (PFP) Joselito N. Lavaro informed on the latest updates on the implementation of PhilSys in the province. His presentation includes an overview of RA 11055, or the Philippine Identification System Act; PhilSys processes; and acceptance of PhilID and ePhilID. Mr. Lavaro also informed on the total number of PhilSys registered individuals in the province, the total number of electronic PhilID cards (ePhilIDs) issued, the total number of PhilIDs delivered, PhilSys Updating Service of Demographic Information, and registration of 1 to 4 years old. Frequently asked questions on PhilSys, including concerns about the absence of a signature on the PhilID card, the security of information in PhilSys, the issue of faded pictures on the PhilID, delayed delivery of PhilID, and the utilization of ePhilID or PhilID in bank transactions, were also discussed.

Lastly, Registration Officer II Girard Francis M. Casuga presented on the BRAP. In February 2022, the PSA launched the PhilSys Birth Registration Assistance Project (PBRAP), now known as BRAP, to ensure that all births of Filipinos are registered with LCROs and that they are registered with PhilSys. The BRAP aims to increase the level of civil registration, especially among marginalized communities such as those belonging to Indigenous Peoples, Muslim Filipinos, and the poorest sectors in the country, and ensure that they have PhilID, which is a way for them to claim their social benefits and legal identity. RO II Casuga presented La Union's total target of 6,293. Of these, 980 recipients have already received their birth certificates in Security Paper (SECPA) as of 22 May 2024.

An open forum followed after the discussion to accommodate queries from the participants.

A pop quiz was also conducted to assess the knowledge gained by the participants on the topics discussed, reinforce key concepts, and ensure a deeper understanding of the vital information shared during the activity.

SGD. DANITES E. TEÑIDO, PhD
Chief Statistical Specialist

/MBL

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