From Left to Right: (1) Office-in-Charge Engr. Girme M. Bayucan delivering his opening message during the 2023 Full Year Official Poverty Statistics Regional Dissemination Forum; (2) Mr. Vergel C. Antazo providing a detailed look at the income and spending patterns through the 2023 Family Income and Expenditure Survey; (3) Ms. Nicole Gabrielle H. Robles presenting the Official Poverty Estimation Methodology to help us better understand the techniques and methods used to assess poverty levels; and (4) Ms. Gina V. Dayag giving a regional perspective from the NEDA RO II

15 October 2024 - Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. The Philippine Statistics Authority - Regional Statistical Services Office II (PSA-RSSO II) successfully disseminates the 2023 Full Year Official Poverty Statistics of Cagayan Valley at Pulsar Hotel, Buntun Highway, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. The forum was attended by representative from PSA, Regional Line Agencies, provincial and city local government units, media partners, non-governmental organizations and PSA officials.

In his opening remarks, Engr. Girme M. Bayucan, Chief Statistical Specialist and Officer-in-Charge of PSA-RSSO II, graciously welcomed all participants to the event and extended heartfelt gratitude to the resource speakers from the PSA-Central Office, whose expertise and insights were invaluable in enriching the forum’s discussions. Engr. Bayucan also acknowledged the strong support and partnership of the National Economic and Development Authority Regional Office II (NEDA RO II), highlighting their role in advancing regional development through data-driven policies. He expressed his appreciation to all stakeholders, government representatives, and participants for their commitment to understanding and addressing poverty, a pressing issue that requires collaborative effort and sustained action. Concluding his message, Engr. Bayucan encouraged everyone to actively participate in the forum.

Mr. Vergel C. Antazo, Senior Statistical Specialist from PSA-Central Office, discussed the Highlights of the 2023 Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES) followed by Ms. Nicole Gabrielle H. Robles, Statistical Specialist II also from PSA-Central Office, who provided insights into the Official Poverty Estimation Methodology, explaining the technical aspects of how poverty statistics are computed.

The highlight of the forum was delivered by Engr. Bayucan, the 2023 Full Year Official Poverty Statistics of the Region. His comprehensive discussion covered the latest data on poverty incidence and other key socio-economic indicators affecting the Region II. Discussion on the important and significance on the poverty data was delivered by Ms. Gina V. Dayag, Chief, Policy Formulation and Planning.

The open forum was marked by the active participation from attendees, with their questions addressed effectively by the speakers, allowing them to better understand the data, clarify statistical methodologies, and raise concerns related to poverty reduction efforts. This active engagement reflected the participants’ strong interest in understanding and using data to improve regional policies.

The forum concluded with closing remarks by Ernesto M. De Peralta, Jr., Supervising Statistical Specialist and Officer-in-Charge of the Statistical Operations and Coordination Division (SOCD). He expressed his gratitude to all participants and resource speakers, emphasizing the importance of continued cooperation and data-driven approaches in poverty reduction efforts.

ENGR. GIRME M. BAYUCAN
(Chief Statistical Specialist)
Officer-in-Charge, PSA-RSSO II

EMDP/MJCC/RMDP