As a mitigating action expecting a number of families who might decline a face to face interview, the Philippine Statistics Authority XI announced that the 2020 Census on Population and Housing would allow for assisted telephone interview this time.
Interviewed in the One Davao Virtual Presser, PSA XI Officer in charge Pepito Amoyen assured the respondents that they are given another option of interview method should they feel unsafe and uncomfortable receiving inside their house enumerators for the 2020 Census.
Amoyen stressed that they may inform the enumerator their interview method preference and they will be asked for their telephone or mobile number so the census personnel can facilitate a telephone interview instead.
The assisted telephone interview will then be scheduled by the enumerator.
“The enumerators will just have to observe and write down the housing characteristics such as the kind of roof, wall materials. These information will prove that the enumerator has reached that specific household,” Amoyen said.
The PSA reported that they received a number of trained enumerators who decided to quit because of reasons which are related to the COVID 19 pandemic. However, he assured that mitigating actions were in place such as assigning other enumerators to cover the affected areas.
Census enumerators and supervisors were provided with face shield and alcohol (yet to be distributed by the 2nd week of September) for protection from getting infected of the coronavirus.
Enumerators underwent a five-day training while supervisors underwent a 6-day training. Part of the said training is emphasizing to the census personnel the importance of practicing health protocols such as physical distancing and proper hygiene.
For the 2020 Census, a total of 5,792 enumerators, 1,144 team supervisors, and 185 census supervisors were hired and trained.
The Census enumeration will run for 20 days on an average.
“We ask the cooperation of our census respondents to open their door and give the correct information to our enumerators. This 2020 Census would become an important basis for future government policies and programs,” Amoyen said. (PIA XI/ Frances Mae Macapagat)