PSA chief checks Negros Occidental labor, poverty surveys

BACOLOD CITY — Philippine Statistics Authority Undersecretary Claire Dennis S. Mapa conducted field supervision for the July 2026 Labor Force Survey and 2026 Annual Poverty Indicators Survey in Negros Occidental.

Mapa, the national statistician and civil registrar general, visited households in Barangay Zone 16, Talisay City, to observe the collection of labor and poverty-related information.

The supervision sought to ensure that enumerators followed established procedures and produced accurate data that government agencies can use for employment policies, poverty programs, and economic planning.

Reliable survey results affect the public because they help determine the scale and location of unemployment, poor living conditions, and gaps in access to education, health care, housing, sanitation, and other basic services.

The Labor Force Survey is conducted among households to collect information about the country’s workforce.

It generates statistics on the labor force, employment, unemployment, and other key labor market indicators.

The government uses the findings in policy formulation and economic planning.

The 2026 Annual Poverty Indicators Survey is a nationwide household survey that assesses the living conditions and well-being of Filipino families.

It gathers information on education, health, housing, access to basic services, sanitation, and other factors affecting household welfare.

The survey results help the government monitor poverty and evaluate the effectiveness of social programs.

The findings are also used to estimate the Multidimensional Poverty Index and track the country’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

Mapa was joined during the field supervision by Negros Island Region Officer-in-Charge Regional Director John F. Campomanes.

Supervising Statistical Specialist Diesah S. Biaoco and Negros Occidental Provincial Focal Person Resty John M. Bancruz also joined the visit.

The team observed actual enumeration activities and interacted with respondents.

Mapa also assessed the data collection process during the household visits. He emphasized the importance of accurate and reliable data gathering.

Mapa also stressed strict compliance with established survey procedures.

He expressed appreciation to field personnel for their dedication and commitment saying their work is essential to producing high-quality official statistics.