Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) – Pangasinan Provincial Statistical Office conducted a forum on the PSA-LGU Data Sharing for the Business Register (PLDS-BR) Project on 25 September 2024, in Dagupan City, Pangasinan.

The event was spearheaded by PSA Pangasinan Supervising Statistical Specialist (SvSS) Ferdinand Q. Jocutan, alongside PLDS Alternate Provincial Focal Person and Administrative Officer I Angelica P. Sarzaba, and hired Statistical Analysts Abigail Nichole C. Morante, Lorraine Joy D. Fat, Romalyn L. Resuello, and Rosemarie L. Areno. A total of 87 participants from various Local Government Units (LGUs) in Pangasinan, particularly from the Business Permits and Licensing Offices (BPLO), attended the said forum.

The forum aimed to orient stakeholders from LGUs, especially the BPLOs, on the PLDS-BR Project. The detailed overview provided a clearer understanding of how collaboration between the PSA and LGUs can strengthen partnerships through data sharing, streamline processes, improve the content and coverage of the PSA List of Establishments, and enhance the Statistical Business Register. The presentations and discussions offered valuable insights that enhanced the LGUs' understanding of the PLDS-BR Project.

In his welcome remarks, SvSS Jocutan emphasized that the forum aims to foster a better understanding of the importance of integrating LGU Business Registers as administrative data sources in the statistical production process. He highlighted how this collaboration strengthens shared goals, clarifying the use of data requested from LGUs and its significant contribution to the PSA, the Philippine Statistical System, and the overall improvement of public service to stakeholders.

The ongoing collaboration ensures that the PSA and LGUs are working toward a unified goal of producing accurate and reliable statistics. Contributions from the LGUs will undoubtedly enhance the quality of the country's statistical data, leading to better-informed policies and decision-making.

EDGAR M. NORBERTE
Chief Statistical Specialist
Provincial Statistical Office - Pangasinan