The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Iloilo in collaboration with the municipal government of Guimbal, successfully turned over the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) data to the local government of Guimbal. The commemorative activity occurred on the 31st day of January 2024 at Racsos Woodland Resort, Guimbal, Iloilo. 

The ceremony was graced by the following esteemed guests: Sangguniang Bayan Member Hon. Christy Love Margarico, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Reymund Famatid, Administrative Officer V and Data Protection Officer Marlee G. De Ocampo, Municipal Civil Registrar and LGU CBMS Focal Person Percylette G. Quidato, PSA RSSO VI (Chief Statistical Specialist) Officer-in-Charge Nelida C. Amolar, and PSA Iloilo (Supervising Statistical Specialist) Officer-in-Charge Ma. Goretti M. Novella. Also in attendance were the Department Heads, Punong Barangays, and other PSA and LGU personnel.

In her opening remarks, RSSO VI Officer-in-Charge Nelida C. Amolar expressed her gratitude to the Local Government Unit of Guimbal for the full support and funding of the CBMS implementation in their locality. She emphasized the value of the CBMS in delivering comprehensive and detailed data necessary for efficient program and policy formulation. Additionally, she highlighted that the data turnover ceremony signifies the start of a successful partnership and ongoing cooperation with the Local Government Unit. 

Senior Statistical Specialist Stephen C. Araña presented the highlights of the results, which included data on basic services such as electricity, internet, water, toilet facilities, safety, food insecurity, and disaster preparedness, among others. A total of 33 barangays in Guimbal were covered in the CBMS operations, with 8,589 responding households and 33,839 individuals covered.

Hon. Municipal Mayor Janette Garin-Colada delivered her acceptance message via video message. She expressed her sincere appreciation to the LGU CBMS team for their diligence, commitment, and hard work in gathering, compiling, and ensuring the completeness and accuracy of the data, as well as to the PSA, which served as the lead agency in the implementation of the CBMS. She emphasized that in the world of public service, data is the lifeblood that fuels the decision-making process. Furthermore, the data that they have received will guide them on the path to success.

MA. GORETTI M. NOVILLA
(Supervising Statistical Specialist)
Officer-in-Charge
Iloilo Provincial Statistical Office, RSSO 06