PSA-Aklan researchers pledge data privacy for 2026 surveys

KALIBO, Aklan — Fifty-four hired statistical researchers of the Philippine Statistics Authority–Aklan, who will conduct the January 2026 Labor Force Survey and the 2025 Family Income and Expenditure Survey Phase II, took their oath to uphold data privacy and security during a ceremony held recently at Royal Suites Condotel in Kalibo.

The ceremonial oath of confidentiality was administered as the culminating activity of a seven-day training for the two surveys led by Chief Statistical Specialist Engr. Antonet B. Catubuan.

The oath-taking underscored the PSA’s commitment to strict data confidentiality and the preservation of data integrity to ensure that only quality and reliable statistics are released to the public.

Catubuan reiterated the responsibility and accountability of the statistical researchers, reminding them to implement reasonable and appropriate security measures to protect collected personal information from accidental or unlawful loss or destruction, unauthorized access, modification, negligent handling, or misuse.

“By administering the oath, the statistical researchers are made fully aware of the magnitude of their responsibilities in safeguarding the privacy of data entrusted to them by the respondents, and we ensure that this information is well protected,” Engr. Catubuan said.

The PSA said data from the Labor Force Survey and the Family Income and Expenditure Survey are critical because they provide demographic and socio-economic information used to determine the country’s labor conditions and poverty incidence, which help guide government programs and policies for economic development.

Data collection for the surveys began Jan. 13, 2026, and will run for approximately one month.

In a related activity dated Jan. 15, 2026, the PSA–Aklan said newly hired and returning statistical researchers successfully completed a seven-day intensive training conducted Jan. 6–12, 2026, at the Royal Suites Condotel in Kalibo despite demanding course topics and exhaustive discussions.

A total of 54 data collectors joined the training, which aimed to strengthen competencies in data collection for the 2025 Family Income and Expenditure Survey Visit 2 and the January 2026 Labor Force Survey in the province.

Training topics included key concepts of family income and expenditure, labor force characteristics—particularly employment and unemployment—confidentiality of information, sampling design, professional ethics, respondents’ rights, interview protocols, and the classification of occupations and industries.

The sessions also covered sources of income, household expenditure items, housing characteristics, and social protection programs, among other survey components.

The training was facilitated by five PSA–Aklan personnel: Supervising Statistical Specialist Rodelyn R. Panadero, Senior Statistical Specialist Peter S. Mangilog, Statistical Specialist II Alyssa Mae Berlandino, Statistical Analyst Dione Anne Diane Tapican, and Administrative Assistant Robertly Invina.

Catubuan delivered the opening remarks on the first day, emphasizing the role of statistical researchers in producing high-quality and reliable data.

“The quality of the data and the reliability of the statistics we produce lie in your hands; hence, I urge you to adhere strictly to the standards that will be discussed during this training,” Catubuan said.

She also stressed data confidentiality, reminding participants that information gathered from respondents must be protected and must not be disclosed to unauthorized individuals.

To reinforce learning, the training included practical exercises, real-world field scenarios, and mock interviews to help participants apply the concepts discussed during lectures.

A synthesis session was also held to consolidate key takeaways and better prepare participants for fieldwork.

During the closing program, Mangilog, the focal person of LFS-FIES, reminded participants to uphold the highest standards of data collection to ensure all essential information is accurately captured and to remain committed to their responsibilities as data collectors.

Participants were commended for completing the rigorous training despite its challenges, with organizers noting that dedication and eagerness to learn can make difficult tasks achievable.

Panadero reiterated the importance of accuracy, professionalism, and ethical conduct in data collection to ensure the statistics produced accurately reflect current conditions in the country and in Aklan, in particular.

To conclude the activity, each participant received a certificate of participation equivalent to 56 hours of technical training, marking the completion of the seven-day training.