PSA readies Negros towns for 2027 CBMS

BACOLOD CITY – The Philippine Statistics Authority Negros Occidental has convened the 2027 Community-Based Monitoring System Municipal Coordinating Boards in Enrique B. Magalona and La Castellana to prepare both local government units for full CBMS implementation.

The meetings were held June 19, 2026, and announced in separate PSA Negros Occidental press releases dated June 22, 2026, with reference Nos. 2026-06-1845-111 for Enrique B. Magalona and 2026-06-1845-112 for La Castellana.

In Enrique B. Magalona, Vice Mayor Marvin M. Malacon presided over the activity as chairperson of the municipal CBMS Coordinating Board.

The Enrique B. Magalona convening was attended by 27 LGU personnel, including office heads and Sangguniang Bayan members, along with four PSA officials and personnel.

Malacon raised concerns over existing boundary disputes within and outside the LGU.

During the meeting, Malacon emphasized the importance of accurate and timely data and expressed strong support for the PSA.

In La Castellana, Mayor Añejo G. Nicor presided over the activity as chairperson of the municipal CBMS Coordinating Board.

The La Castellana convening was attended by 20 LGU personnel, including office heads, along with four PSA officials and personnel.

Nicor welcomed PSA staff and officials and expressed appreciation for their visit and coordination with the LGU.

He also highlighted La Castellana’s commitment to supporting the 2027 CBMS implementation in partnership with the PSA.

Despite challenges caused by natural calamities, Nicor emphasized the LGU’s resilience and continued dedication to ensuring the successful conduct of the CBMS.

The PSA said the activities aimed to discuss the roles and responsibilities of Municipal CBMS Coordinating Board members and strengthen LGU preparedness for the 2027 CBMS rollout.

The presentations covered the CBMS framework, including its legal bases, objectives, scope, coverage, implementation requirements, LGU operationalization, possible data items, and the indicative date of data collection.

The PSA also discussed the critical role of each office member in systematic data collection, efficient logistical operations, and compliance with CBMS standards and PSA protocols.

Capacity-strengthening activities for LGUs provided by the PSA were also taken up during the meetings.

The discussions included briefings on map research activity, the statistical survey review and clearance system, and the 2026 Updating of the List of Agriculture Farms.

The PSA said the convenings reflect a collaborative effort between the agency and the LGUs to strengthen local-level statistics.

The agency said stronger local statistics can help empower communities, improve crisis response, and support poverty alleviation through social protection programs.

The CBMS is designed to provide local governments with community-level data that can guide planning, budgeting, program targeting, and evidence-based governance.