PSA Guimaras highlights statistics in tourism, local development

JORDAN, Guimaras — The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Guimaras Provincial Statistical Office conducted a press conference on September 2026 inflation and the Kaathagan sa Estadistika Lecture Series on Oct. 13, 2026, at Juliana’s Hall, Pitstop Hotel in Alaguisoc, Jordan, Guimaras, as part of the 37th National Statistics Month (NSM) celebration.

The nationwide celebration carries the theme “Tuklas Pilipinas: Statistics as Beacon Towards Inclusive, Resilient, and Sustainable Tourism,” highlighting the importance of reliable data in developing a tourism sector that benefits communities while supporting economic growth and sustainability.

The activity brought together media practitioners and representatives from local and national government offices to promote statistical awareness and highlight the importance of reliable data in informed decision-making and local development.

Provincial Statistics Officer Nelida B. Losare presented the September 2026 inflation report and discussed the province’s latest inflation developments.

“The press conference served as an avenue for disseminating official statistics to media practitioners and government stakeholders,” Losare said.

The Kaathagan sa Estadistika Lecture Series featured presentations from the Provincial Tourism Office, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Guimaras and Guimaras Police Provincial Office (GPPO), highlighting how statistics support tourism development, trade and industry, and public safety.

Trixia P. Delos Santos, statistician from the Provincial Tourism Office, discussed tourism-related statistics and their relevance to tourism development.

Juvy D. Benliro, senior trade and industry development officer of DTI Guimaras, presented “From Data to Decisions: Turning Provincial Trade and Industry Data into Action,” highlighting how trade and industry statistics can guide programs and initiatives for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Meanwhile, Police Staff Sgt. RJ G. Badrina of GPPO discussed crime statistics and the use of data analysis in public safety initiatives.

During the question-and-answer session following the presentations, a representative from the Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO) of Jordan asked about the assistance available to tourism sites seeking accreditation.

Delos Santos shared information on mobile accreditation activities conducted with the Department of Tourism (DOT), which interested tourism site operators may explore to facilitate their accreditation applications.

In response to a follow-up question from PSA Guimaras about the benefits of accreditation, she explained that accredited tourism establishments are included in tourism promotions and packages offered to visitors.

Losare also asked DTI about the assistance available to small and medium enterprises engaged in Tultul salt production.

The inquiry followed a data pitching activity held Oct. 8, 2026, during which the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) highlighted challenges in Tultul salt production and marketing, including limited market demand.

In response, Benliro discussed DTI’s support through product packaging training and marketing assistance for local producers.

Vice Gov. Cecile C. Gumarin, a physician, also asked whether DTI maintains a database of assisted MSMEs, including information on their success rates and current business status.

The question highlighted the importance of monitoring the progress of assisted enterprises and assessing the outcomes of government support programs.

Gumarin also raised the possibility of pursuing geographical indication (GI) registration for Tultul salt, similar to the recognition granted to Guimaras mangoes.

A geographical indication identifies products whose qualities, reputation or characteristics are associated with a particular geographic origin.

Guimaras mangoes received GI registration from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines in May 2023, recognizing their distinct characteristics and connection to the island province.

The discussion highlighted opportunities to strengthen the identity and market recognition of local products, although no specific outcome regarding the proposed GI registration for Tultul salt was established.

In connection with the crime statistics presentation, a representative from the Guimaras Engineering Office asked whether the data included crimes committed in island barangays.

Badrina explained that the distance of island barangays poses reporting challenges, with some incidents recorded at the barangay level rather than reported directly to police stations.

Presenters received certificates and tokens in recognition of their support, dedication and contributions to the lecture series.

The third part of the afternoon program featured the launch of the 2026 Women and Men (WAM) Statistical Handbook, presented by Orlie E. Tabia, information officer I of PSA Guimaras.

The handbook provides statistical information on women and men to help stakeholders better understand gender-related concerns and support evidence-based planning and decision-making.

PSA Guimaras also acknowledged the support of the Guimaras Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) and the provincial government’s Gender and Development (GAD) program in printing 10 hardbound copies for the publication launch.

The program also included a message of appreciation from Guimaras Vice Gov. Cecile C. Gumarin.

The press conference and Kaathagan sa Estadistika Lecture Series formed part of PSA Guimaras’ activities for the 37th National Statistics Month.

Observed every October under Presidential Proclamation No. 647, National Statistics Month promotes public awareness and appreciation of the importance of statistics in government planning, policymaking and national development.

In line with this year’s theme, the activity emphasized the importance of statistics in understanding local conditions, supporting evidence-based planning and informing decisions across various sectors, including tourism, trade and industry, and public safety.

“Through initiatives such as these, PSA Guimaras continues to promote the use of reliable and timely official statistics among government agencies, media practitioners, and other stakeholders to support informed decision-making and evidence-based development planning,” Losare said.