(Top to Bottom) Top: Motorcade activity, and opening of the Statistical Exhibit led by RD Ledres and Dr. Battung; Bottom: Resource Speakers with PSA RSSO II officials, and participants during the regionwide 34th NSM Opening Ceremony.)

03 October 2023 – Tuguegarao City. In accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 647, "Declaring the Month of October of Every Year as the National Statistics Month," the Philippine Statistics Authority-Regional Statistical Services Office II (PSA-RSSO II) marked the commencement of its regionwide month-long celebration with the 34th NSM Opening Ceremony: Motorcade and Statistical Exhibit on 03 October 2023 at Cagayan Provincial Learning and Resource Center (CPLRC).

In its 34th year, the celebration underscored the importance of data and statistics in enhancing health outcomes to accelerate the nation's socioeconomic development with the use of quality health and health-related statistics, with the theme – "Accelerating Progress: Promoting Data and Statistics for Healthy Philippines".

The opening of the Statistical Exhibit was led by Regional Director Dionisio C. Ledres, Jr. of the National Economic and Development Authority Region 02 (NEDA RO2) and Dr. Rebecca C. Battung, Officer-in-Charge of the Provincial Health Office - Province of Cagayan (PHO Cagayan), alongside PSA - RSSO II officials. The two distinguished guests also served as resource speakers during the opening program.  

The exhibit showcases the statistical products of PSA, and features the information, education, and communication (IEC) materials from the agency’s partners for health-related data: the Department of Health Cagayan Valley Center for Health Development (DOH-CVCHD), and the Commission on Population and Development Region 2 (CPD RO2).  

RD Ledres, in his keynote speech, emphasized that the provision of accurate and timely data play a crucial role in addressing concerns in the health sector, specifically during the onset of COVID-19 pandemic. “Given the scarce government resources, operational wastage in the health sector should be avoided, as we need to maximize the use of financial as well as human and health resources to attain ‘healthy Filipinos’ where healthy behaviors are the easier choice for everyone, every time, everywhere,” he elaborated.

Dr. Battung, on the other hand, delivered the message on behalf of Gov. Manuel N. Mamba, M.D., sharing the LGU’s initiatives in enhancing health outcomes, promoting a healthier populace, and accelerating socioeconomic development. She said that providing accurate and reliable data has already been a nature of good governance, wherein leaders make informed decisions. “A healthier Cagayano is a more progressive Cagayan,” she ended.

To conclude the day’s activity, Ms. Mary Jane C. Cabauatan, Supervising Statistical Specialist of Statistical Operations and Coordination Division (SOCD) of PSA RSSO II, expressed her sincerest gratitude and appreciation to everyone who made the regionwide 34th NSM Opening Ceremony a success.

Various Regional line agencies, Local Government Units, Academic Institutions, and Private Sectors attended the said activities.  

The 34th NSM Opening Ceremony will be followed by the conduct of the Cagayan Valley Press Conference on the Annual Report of 2022 Employment back-to-back with September 2023 Inflation on 10 October 2023 at PSA RSSO II Conference Hall, Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.
 

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

EMDP/MJCP/MBM