30th NSM celebration opens in WV with displayof statistical exhibits

The Philippine Statistics Authority Regional Statistical Services Office VI (PSA RSSO VI) led the successful opening of the 30th National Statistics Month (NSM) Celebration on October 8, 2019 at SM City Iloilo Event Center with the display of 14 statistical exhibits that are open for viewing until October 25.

The participating exhibitors are the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Tourism (DOT), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), West Visayas State University (WVSU), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Department of Agriculture (DA), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The opening ceremony kicked off with a motorcade that was actively participated in by government agencies, private sectors, universities and colleges of Region VI. The activity, which started from the Iloilo City Freedom Grandstand to the main thoroughfares until SM City Iloilo, was aimed to inform the public of the inter-agency region-wide support to the 30th NSM celebration.

Before the opening program, the participants enthusiastically joined in the Hataw dance. Those who correctly answered statistical trivia questions were given raffle prizes.

Keynote Speaker Mr. Antonio Edward E. Padre of DICT said to achieve good governance in this data-driven world, the government, private institutions, academe and citizens must work hand-in-hand to support and promote the responsible use of data.

Marlene Y. Alviar of PSA RSSO VI, on behalf of Regional Statistics Committee VI (RSC VI), officially announced the opening of the month-long celebration of NSM in Western Visayas. In her message, she highlighted that statistics, products and services should be readily accessed, understood, valued, utilized and not merely for appreciation.

The 30th NSM’s theme “Data Innovation: Key to a Better Nation” highlights the importance of innovating statistical systems, processes and technologies in coming up with quality statistics – statistics that will be used by data users, especially planners, policymakers and program implementers who are in the best position to shape the future of the country and of its people.

The presence of DICT’s mascot named DIGITAR graced the event. The Mandirigmang Mang-aawit of the Police Regional Office 6, as one of the NSM Steering Committee VI, entertained the viewers with their song and dance numbers.

More activities await as October runs.

The NSM Steering Committee VI will be conducting a board game called EcStatistakes at UPV Iloilo City Campus; Statistical Bulletin Board (SBB) Contest; Poster-Making Contest at SM City Iloilo on October23; Statistical Analysis on October 23 at NEDA Region VI Office; Regional Statistics Quiz on October 25 at NEDA Region VI Office; and Pakig-angot: Government Connecting with Its People from October 14-25. Winners of the contests will be given awards on the 30th NSM Closing and Awarding Ceremonies on October 30.

The nationwide NSM celebration is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No.647, Declaring the Month of October of Every Year as the National Statistics Month.