PSA Guimaras highlights statistics’ role in sustainable tourism

JORDAN, Guimaras — The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Guimaras highlighted the importance of official statistics in promoting inclusive, resilient and sustainable tourism during the opening of the 37th National Statistics Month (NSM) celebration and the 3rd Guimaras Data Festival.

Held Oct. 5, 2026, at the Municipal Tourism Building in Jordan, Guimaras, the event carried the theme “Tuklas Pilipinas: Statistics as Beacon Towards Inclusive, Resilient, and Sustainable Tourism.”

The celebration emphasized how reliable statistical information can help local governments identify development priorities, improve public services and formulate policies that support sustainable tourism.

Provincial Statistics Officer Nelida B. Losare said the opening program included a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Data Expo, which featured official statistics, government programs, accomplishments and key development indicators from participating agencies.

“It included the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Data Expo, which showcased the official statistics, programs, accomplishments, and key indicators of participating government agencies and offices in the province,” Losare said.

The Data Expo provided government agencies and local government units (LGUs) with a platform to present relevant, timely and reliable statistical information through infographic exhibits.

The displays highlighted how data can support evidence-based planning, policy development and public understanding of local economic and social conditions.

“The initiative aimed to strengthen public awareness of the value of official statistics in understanding local conditions, supporting evidence-based planning and decision-making, and guiding tourism development in Guimaras,” Losare said.

During the opening program, Sangguniang Bayan Member Gerardo Gaitan emphasized the importance of data in identifying community needs, determining areas requiring intervention and guiding the province’s development priorities.

Jordan Mayor John Edward G. Gando welcomed the opportunity to host the provincial celebration and highlighted the municipality’s continuing efforts to improve its tourism infrastructure.

Gando said the municipal government had allocated PHP 17 million for the rehabilitation of the Municipal Tourism Building, with completion targeted before the end of 2026.

He also emphasized the importance of using statistical information to develop responsive, evidence-based and scientifically informed programs that address community needs and promote sustainable development.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Guimaras Vice Gov. Cecile C. Gumarin and Assistant Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator and Acting Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Ma. Lovelia G. Gamo.

Also present were Board Members Paul Vincent Dela Cruz and Hannah Lisa Calejas, who serves as Sangguniang Kabataan Federation president.

Guimaras State University President Dr. Lilian Parreño, PSA Guimaras Provincial Statistics Officer Nelida B. Losare and Sangguniang Bayan Member Gerardo Gaitan also joined the ceremony.

The annual National Statistics Month celebration promotes public awareness and appreciation of the importance of statistics in government planning, policy formulation and national development.

The Guimaras Data Festival complements this initiative by bringing statistical information closer to local government officials, institutions and communities.

Losare said the event also demonstrated the importance of cooperation among government agencies, academic institutions and other stakeholders in improving statistical literacy.

“The opening of the 3rd Guimaras Data Festival reaffirmed the importance of collaboration among government agencies and other stakeholders in promoting statistical literacy and the effective use of official statistics in advancing inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development in the province,” Losare said.

The PSA Guimaras initiative underscores the value of data-driven governance in strengthening tourism planning, improving resource allocation and supporting the province’s long-term economic and social development.