PSA conducts survey on employment, impact of ECQ

The Philippine Statistics Authority Aklan is currently conducting two surveys in selected households – Labor Force Survey (LFS) and Consumer Rapid Assessment (CRA) – amid the lockdown against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The LFS aims to gather data on the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the population and provides quantitative framework for the preparation of plans and formulation of policies affecting the labor market.

Data derived from this survey serve as basis for the formulation of policies and programs on the creation and generation of gainful employment and livelihood opportunities, reduction of unemployment and underemployment, and enhancement of the welfare of a working person.

Meanwhile, the CRA is a tool to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 and Enhanced Community Quarantine on the consumer behaviors and patterns.

Results of the CRA survey will provide substantial data to IATF in crafting evidence-based narrative on the effect of ECQ in country’s labor and employment.

According to Antonet B. Catubuan, Aklan’s Chief Statistical Specialist, the CRA is pursuant to Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Resolution No. 22, series of 2020, dated March 10, 2020 granting PSA an exemption to conduct data gathering related to COVID-19.

A total of 386 households spread in 25 barangays were randomly selected as samples for this survey.

Six professional data collectors were deployed by PSA-Aklan to conduct the interview identified households

Catubuan said these personnel were properly oriented with protocols to follow in conducting interview and equipped with protection equipment to safeguard them and their respondents against the threat of infection.

Catubuan appealed to respondents to cooperate with PSA data gatherers by giving truthful and correct information.

She assured them that all information will be treated with strict confidentiality and cannot be used for taxation, investigation, or law enforcement purposes.