PSA Guimaras boosts LGU CBMS data skills

The Philippine Statistics Authority Guimaras Provincial Statistical Office is strengthening the statistical capacity of local government units to analyze and interpret Community-Based Monitoring System data and promote its full use in evidence-based planning.

“As part of these efforts, PSA Guimaras, in collaboration with PSA Iloilo and West Visayas State University (WVSU), conducted the CBMS Training on Basic Statistics for Local Government Units (LGUs) from March 18 to 20, 2026,” Provincial Statistics Officer Nelida B. Losare said.

“The activity aimed to enhance the statistical capability of LGU personnel in analyzing, interpreting, and effectively utilizing local-level data for evidence-based planning, program implementation, and policy formulation,” she added.

The training, held in line with Republic Act No. 11315, or the Community-Based Monitoring System Act, emphasized the role of CBMS as a key tool for data-driven governance.

Under the law, CBMS is designed to generate updated and disaggregated data for targeting beneficiaries, poverty analysis, needs prioritization, policy design, and impact monitoring at the local level.

Participants were trained in fundamental statistical concepts and practical applications of CBMS indicators to identify priority sectors, monitor development outcomes, and improve public service delivery.

“The activity also highlighted the importance of collaboration among PSA offices and academic institutions in delivering capacity-building programs for LGUs,” Losare said.

Losare said PSA Guimaras, in line with its mandate to ensure data quality, also initiated the validation of beneficiaries under the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The validation covers beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, or 4Ps, the Social Pension for Senior Citizens, or SocPen, and the Walang Gutom Program.

“The validation activity stems from data reconciliation efforts following the 2024 Census of Population and Community-Based Monitoring System (POPCEN-CBMS), which revealed individuals listed as active beneficiaries in DSWD records but were unmatched or were inconsistently reflected in the CBMS database and other PSA registries,” Losare said.

“To address this, PSA Guimaras conducted a desk review in the second week of March 2026 to crossmatch beneficiary lists with CBMS data and assess consistency. Initial findings identified cases requiring further verification,” Losare added.

Field validation activities began in April 2026 to verify the identity, existence, and current residence of individuals with inconsistent data and determine their proper inclusion in CBMS records.

The activity also seeks to ensure consistency and accuracy between CBMS and DSWD data.

“These initiatives are essential in ensuring that CBMS captures accurate, complete, and reliable data, which are critical in determining the target beneficiaries and delivery of social protection programs,” Losare said.

She said strengthening data quality and building LGU capacity go hand in hand in promoting evidence-based decision-making and ensuring that government interventions reach intended beneficiaries.

“Through these combined efforts, PSA Guimaras continues to uphold its commitment to advancing data-driven governance and inclusive development in the province,” Losare said.