PSA Guimaras turns over 2024 CBMS data to LGUs

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The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Guimaras Provincial Statistical Office formally led the 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Data Turnover Ceremony on Sept. 18, 2025, at Olivia’s Kitchen and Island Brew in San Miguel, marking a major step toward data-driven and evidence-based local governance.

The event opened with welcome remarks from Regional Director Nelida C. Amolar of the PSA Regional Statistical Services Office VI, who emphasized the CBMS data as comprehensive, updated, household-level statistics that reflect real conditions at the grassroots.

“To local chief executives and planning officers, this ceremony marks the beginning of greater responsibility, to ensure that the statistics we are all handing over today will be transformed into meaningful actions, policies, and projects that will directly uplift the lives of our community,” Amolar said.

“Numbers and indicators are important, but their true value lies in how they inspire solutions and bring tangible progress to our communities,” she added.

Chief Statistical Specialist (CSS) Nelida B. Losare of PSA Guimaras presented the highlights of the 2024 CBMS results, which include key findings and indicators aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The data provide a granular, in-depth picture of local socio-economic conditions and are a critical tool for poverty alleviation, evidence-based planning, and targeted program implementation.

Following the presentation, PSA Guimaras facilitated the formal signing of the Data Turnover Agreement (DTA) with the province’s five municipalities, affirming their commitment to effectively use and manage the CBMS data.

Present during the signing were Hon. Emmanuel C. Galila, mayor of Nueva Valencia, and Hon. Jimmy O. Gajo, mayor of San Lorenzo, along with planning and data personnel including Municipal Planning and Development Coordinators, Data Protection Officers, and statisticians.

The official handover ensures that both the provincial and municipal governments now have access to detailed community-level data for informed planning, program implementation, and monitoring.

In her acceptance speech, Vice Governor Cecile C. Gumarin, MD, highlighted the CBMS data as an essential foundation for crafting targeted programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) that address the actual needs of Guimaras communities.

She described the institutionalization of CBMS as a milestone toward evidence-based development that improves governance and enhances the quality of life for every Guimarasnon.

“The Provincial Government expresses gratitude and deepest appreciation to the enumerators and all personnel involved in the successful conduct of the activity,” Gumarin said.

“Their tireless efforts to collect accurate community-based level data are commendable.”

Jaypee Kein Entredicho, Project Evaluation Officer IV of the Provincial Planning and Development Office, presented the province’s CBMS Utilization and Security Framework Action Plan.

The plan outlines strategies to mainstream CBMS as a core element in Guimaras’ socio-economic planning, reinforcing a people-centered approach to development.

His presentation stressed the importance of disseminating and using CBMS data across all levels of governance, integrating it into investment programming and resource allocation, and supporting research, monitoring, and evaluation systems.

He also emphasized the need to establish data protection protocols that ensure security, privacy, and ethical use while enabling evidence-informed policymaking and legislative support.

Provincial Director Roselyn B. Quintana, CESO V of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Guimaras, delivered a message of support and congratulated PSA and local officials for the successful CBMS rollout.

She encouraged local governments to maximize the data’s use in improving service delivery and governance.

“With the CBMS data now in the hands of the LGUs, the province and municipalities now have the tools to design more focused solutions that are based on specific poverty areas,” Quintana said.

“This results in more efficient, strong, responsive, and people-centered governance.”

Provincial Officer Elry S. Hortillosa of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Guimaras also pledged support, highlighting the importance of data security and ICT integration in government systems.

The turnover ceremony included an audio-visual presentation on CBMS implementation in Guimaras and a photo opportunity with key stakeholders.

Closing the program, CSS Marlene Y. Alviar of the Statistical Operations and Coordination Division, RSSO VI, commended the collaboration among PSA, local governments, and partner agencies.

“The much-awaited granular evidence coming from constituents themselves is now in your hands,” Alviar said.

“Your accurate, targeted, and precise intervention equates to progress, improves life, and empowers local communities.”

“Let the Guimarasnon say—I am proud that I am a Guimarasnon.”

PSA Guimaras affirmed that the official turnover of the CBMS data strengthens the province’s ability to implement focused, evidence-based solutions addressing poverty and inequality.

“This milestone reinforces efficiency and responsiveness in governance while ensuring that programs and services remain people-centered, ultimately advancing the quality of life for every Guimarasnon,” Losare said.