PSA turns over 2024 CBMS data to Aklan LGUs

KALIBO, Aklan — All 17 municipalities in Aklan are now equipped with key tools for data-driven governance following the turnover of 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) data by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Aklan Provincial Office.

The ceremonial handover was held on Sept. 19, 2025, at the Marzon Convention Center in Kalibo.

The event marked the formal transfer of comprehensive CBMS data, which will serve as a local database for generating statistics and creating registries to support more targeted and responsive programs.

The dataset includes information on demographics, economy, health, education, migration, access to water and sanitation, social protection, and housing conditions.

It also contains shapefiles of geotagged household locations, which are vital for disaster preparedness, relief efforts, and other community-targeting initiatives.

Each local government unit received a symbolic flash drive and a storage device containing the CBMS data.

The handover was led by PSA Region VI Director Nelida C. Amolar, assisted by Statistical Operations and Coordination Division Chief Marlene Y. Alviar, PSA-Aklan Chief Statistical Specialist Engr. Antonet Catubuan, Supervising Statistical Specialist Rodelyn Panadero, DILG-Aklan LGOO VII Susan Balsamo, and DICT-Aklan’s Amelita Mationg.

The data were formally received by municipal mayors, representatives, and other local officials, symbolizing their accountability for managing and safeguarding the information.

PSA-Aklan expressed gratitude to all LGUs and partner agencies for supporting the successful implementation of the 2024 CBMS.

Engr. Roger M. Esto, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator, accepted the data on behalf of the provincial government and the municipalities.

In his remarks, Esto stressed the value of accurate and timely data for efficient, transparent, and accountable governance.

“The CBMS data serves as an essential tool for effective governance,” Esto said.

“It helps identify issues in our localities, supports the development of appropriate projects and programs, and helps determine more eligible beneficiaries of government PPAs,” he added.

Esto also shared the provincial government’s plans for managing, securing, and utilizing the CBMS data to enhance the delivery of public services.

DILG-Aklan’s Susan Balsamo emphasized the importance of using CBMS data to craft responsive and effective local plans.

“We assure the PSA that we will continue advocating for the use of these data because we believe that updated and accurate information is vital for the efficient and effective delivery of services to our constituents,” Balsamo said.

To provide further context, Senior Statistical Specialist and CBMS focal person Peter S. Mangilog presented key highlights of the dataset, focusing on indicators aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

These included access to electricity, safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene, safety and security, internet access, financial services, labor and employment, and education.

In her keynote, Amolar underscored the importance of disaggregated, local-level data in designing evidence-based policies and programs and monitoring their impact on communities.