PSA, BPLOs strengthen Aklan business register data efforts

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To maintain a quality business register that enhances economic data, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Aklan convened all designated Business Permit and Licensing Officers (BPLOs) in the province for a forum held August 29, 2025, at Meding’s Place Pavilion and Garden in Kalibo.

The activity served as a platform to highlight the importance of reliable economic data in formulating local development programs and strengthening the Statistical Business Register (SBR) to improve PSA’s establishment-based statistical activities.

In her welcome remarks, Engr. Antonet B. Catubuan, chief statistical specialist, emphasized the crucial role of BPLOs in ensuring the accuracy of data gathered from business registrations.

“The nature of business operations and establishments is very dynamic,” Catubuan said.

“Hence, we need a comprehensive and updated statistical business register to serve as a central sampling frame for business surveys that will generate statistics that truly reflect conditions at both the national and local levels.”

Mr. Peter S. Mangilog, senior statistical specialist and focal person for the PLDS-BRP in Aklan, led a discussion on the concepts and objectives of the business register.

In his lecture, he stressed the need for a sound SBR to meet growing demands for high-quality, localized economic statistics that guide local governments in assessing and planning development initiatives.

“There is a wealth of information we can derive from business registration applications, and that is what the PSA aims to build—not only for our use, but also for LGUs to maximize their appreciation and utilization of this data taken from their own backyard,” Mangilog explained.

Ms. Stephanie Denise R. De Roma, statistical analyst for the PLDS-BRP, guided participants through the proper way to complete the data worksheet used to compile business registration data.

She also discussed the significance of each data item and the types of statistics that can be generated from them.

Mr. Kristian Paul T. Ombrog, information systems analyst II of DICT Region VI, introduced the functionalities of the eLGU-BPLS system, which automates business registration and related LGU services.

He demonstrated how the system can generate statistical reports aligned with PSA’s data requirements.

To conclude the session, Ms. Mernie B. Lodovice, president of the Aklan BPLO Association, thanked the PSA for organizing the forum and reaffirmed their continued support for the agency’s data initiatives.