19 March 2025– Guimaras. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-Guimaras conducted a lecture series on PSA Official Statistics for Guimaras Province held at the Guimaras National Crop Research Development and Production Support Center (BPI) Function Hall, underscoring the crucial role of official statistics in shaping local policies and economic strategies.

“The lecture series was on Monday, March 17, 2025. This was attended by the members of the Provincial Statistics Committee (PSC), Municipal Civil Registrars (MCRs) and staff, representatives from provincial offices, and no less than the Hon. Governor JC Rahman Nava,” Provincial Statistics Officer Nelida B. Losare said.

“Their participation emphasized the province’s commitment to integrating statistical data into governance and policymaking,” Losare added.

PSO Losare further stressed that the lecture series also underscored the importance of transparency in statistical reporting as a cornerstone of effective policymaking. She emphasized the importance of accessible, reliable, and timely data release to support governance decisions in policy formulation addressing social and economic challenges.

The lecture series covered significant topics, including Gender Statistics, which was discussed by Ellen Grace F. Galaura, Statistical Specialist II, providing insights into gender disparities in the province; Vital Statistics, presented by Lee Ariane Nicole G. Tejada, Statistical Analyst, detailing birth, marriage, and mortality trends; Agricultural Statistics, tackled by Vicente G. Geonanga, Supervising Statistical Specialist, offering data-driven perspectives on food security and agricultural development.

Also, the February 2025 inflation report was delivered by PSO Losare, analyzing economic trends affecting businesses and households, and the Guimaras national ID update was presented by Orlie E. Tabia, Information Officer I, addressing the progress and benefits of the National ID system for residents.

Following the presentations, Governor JC Rahman A. Nava, MD., provided key insights, emphasizing the importance of statistical data in policy formulation, particularly in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.

Governor Nava underscored his administration’s commitment to increasing land productivity and lowering production costs. Citing the latest data showing a significant decline in corn production in 2024 compared to the previous year, Gov. Nava highlighted that the provincial government’s agri-fishery village in Barangay Sapal, San Lorenzo—once operational—will play a crucial role in supporting farmers’ production of corn and other crops.

He further stated that the slower 0.6 percent inflation in February 2025 is a challenge for his administration to sustain that low level, which he believes needs intervention to stabilize food prices, especially rice, by increasing the production supply of better varieties within the province that could somehow equate to imported rice quality, which is of high preference by the consumers.

Participants engaged in an open forum, raising concerns about data accessibility and how statistics can be leveraged for more efficient governance.

During the discussion on Gender and Vital Statistics, a representative from the Guimaras Police Provincial Office (GPPO) raised a question regarding the total number of male deaths. He noted that while the male population is higher than the female population, why is it that there were more female deaths than males?

In response, Statistical Analyst Lee Ariane Nicole Tejada clarified that population size does not directly determine the number of deaths. He emphasized that various factors, such as health conditions, lifestyle, and access to healthcare facilities, influenced mortality rates.

Additionally, a participant from the Municipality of Buenavista questioned why data showed more women dying than men despite statistics indicating that males generally have a shorter life expectancy. This raised discussions on gender-related health risks and access to healthcare services.

Governor Nava addressed the concern, stating that lifestyle is a contributing factor. He also noted that ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of death in the province, highlighting the need for further analysis of health trends and preventive measures.

A participant from the Department of Education also raised a question regarding the basis and procedure for determining literacy rates. This discussion provided insights into the methodologies used to assess literacy, emphasizing the role of census data and survey-based assessments in evaluating educational progress. Galaura then explained that the 2020 census identified the basic literacy rate, which refers to an individual’s ability to read and write a simple message. As such, a person is considered literate if he/she can read and write a simple message in any language or dialect. This differs from the functional literacy rate, which not only includes reading, writing, and numeracy skills but also encompasses comprehension skills that allow an individual to perform daily activities efficiently.

PSO Losare added that the PSA had completed the 2024 Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS), and data validation is ongoing, and the result will be released within the year.

Governor Nava also noticed the marital status data, requesting clarification on "divorce" in the statistics, considering that divorce is not legalized in the Philippines. He also noticed that common law/live-in was high, they don’t know the effect of it on their children.

Ms. Galaura responded that we have the data on divorce because probably, their marriage was done abroad, and the divorce applications were granted.

On the common law/live-in, PSO Losare mentioned that the five LGUs are on a massive campaign about the importance of marriage through their Municipal Civil Registrar that took the lead in conducting free Civil Mass Weddings, however for whatever reason some don’t want to get married and some have impediments.

Concerns regarding the National ID system were also raised, particularly on what to do if a National ID is lost and how to handle situations where agencies refuse to accept the National ID due to the absence of a signature.

PSA-Guimaras addressed these concerns by clarifying that currently, no official guidelines yet on lost National ID cards. However, an individual can use the ePhilID or Digital National ID, which have the same validity and usage as the physical card.

It was further highlighted that there are corresponding penalties for establishments or agencies that refuse to accept the National ID, reinforcing its status as a valid proof of identity.

PSA-Guimaras also explained that individuals can report establishments that do not accept the National ID, and their office will visit these establishments and issue a memorandum regarding National ID acceptance.

Inquiries regarding lost transaction slips and peeled-off photos on National IDs was also clarified that individuals who have lost their transaction slip can still proceed to the Fixed Registration Center (FRC) in San Miguel, Jordan for assistance.

“Those with peeled-off photos on their National ID can visit the FRC to process a replacement. While waiting for their replacement, individuals can use their ePhilID or Digital National ID as valid identification,” Tabia said.

PSA-Guimaras also reminded the participants that they can check the availability of their National ID and download the ePhilID through the official PSA website at https://national id.gov.ph.

To track the status of their National ID delivery, individuals can visit www.tracking.phlpost.gov.ph. Steps on how to avail of the digital version of the National ID are also available through https://national-id.gov.ph.

Users must consent to generate their Digital National ID, enter the required information, and download the eGovPH App to complete the process.

Governor Nava further inquired about the total number of National ID holders and ePhilID holders in Guimaras. He asked if it is possible to determine how many ePhilID holders have already received their physical National ID. Additionally, he questioned whether the data on National ID holders and ePhilID holders could provide a clearer picture of how many Guimaras residents are covered by the national identification system.

In response, PSA-Guimaras assured that they will work on gathering and analyzing this data and will release a formal report or press release regarding the number of Guimarasnons with a National ID relative to the province’s total population.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Vicente G. Geonanga, reinforcing PSA-Guimaras’ commitment to providing accurate, timely, and relevant statistics to support local development initiatives.

“This lecture series would not have been successful without your participation. Through this, PSA-Guimaras continues to equip stakeholders with valuable statistical knowledge, strengthening the foundation for data-driven policymaking and ensuring that Guimaras moves forward toward sustainable growth and inclusive development,” Geonanga said.