BACOLOD CITY — The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) – Negros Occidental formally turned over the 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) data to local government units across the province in a ceremony held recently in Bacolod City
The event gathered local executives, city and municipal officials, planning officers, and data protection officers from 12 cities and 19 municipalities, alongside PSA personnel, to mark another milestone in localized data-driven governance
Among the attendees were Bago City Mayor Marina C. Javellana-Yao, Victorias City Mayor Abelardo Bantug III, Kabankalan City Mayor Benjie Meranda, Calatrava Mayor Marilyn A. Era, Isabela Mayor Miguel Angelo G. Yulo, La Castellana Mayor Añejo G. Nicor, Manapla Mayor Mikaela Socorro L.
Escalante, Salvador Benedicto Mayor Nehemiah Joe Dela Cruz, and Escalante Vice Mayor Rogelio A. Prietos.
The turnover showcased the results of the 2024 CBMS, which compiles socio-economic data used to assess living conditions, monitor local development, and guide policy decisions at the grassroots level.
Diesah S. Biaoco, Supervising Statistical Specialist and Officer-in-Charge of the PSA Provincial Statistical Office–Negros Occidental, presented the highlights of the CBMS findings from participating localities across the province.
“The 2024 CBMS data from Negros Occidental’s 12 cities and 19 municipalities will provide an accurate, updated basis for planning and implementing social and economic programs,” Biaoco said.
She added that CBMS results will help local governments craft targeted interventions to address poverty, improve resource allocation, and support the achievement of sustainable development goals.
During the event, Canlaon City Planning and Development Coordinator Doris Y. Flores shared how CBMS data proved vital in disaster response and recovery efforts during the recent eruption of Canlaon Volcano.
“Utilizing CBMS data allows us to plan more effectively and respond with precise information about the affected areas,” Flores said.
The CBMS is a national program spearheaded by the PSA under Republic Act No. 11315, designed to provide updated and disaggregated data for evidence-based policymaking and local development planning.
The 2024 turnover reaffirmed the collaboration between PSA and local governments in enhancing data reliability and accessibility for community-level governance.
The ceremony concluded with a joint commitment from both the PSA and the participating LGUs to continue strengthening partnerships in achieving poverty reduction and sustainable development across Negros Occidental. (news by psa pr)