The LGU Mahatao and PSA Batanes personnel posed for a group photo during the 2024 CBMS Preliminary Results Presentation.

16 July 2025 – Mahatao, Batanes. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) – Batanes Provincial Statistical Office successfully presented the preliminary results of the 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Mahatao in an official meeting held on 16 July 2025 at the Municipal Conference Hall, Mahatao, Batanes.

The meeting was actively attended by barangay representatives, officials and employees from LGU Mahatao, led by the Honorable Mayor Jeronimo T. Carba and Honorable Vice Mayor Protogenes A. Galarion. Mayor Carba expressed his gratitude to PSA Batanes and local stakeholders for their collective effort behind the initiative. “I firmly believe that this information is vital in shaping policies, programs, and services that truly address the priorities of our constituents. With these insights, we can make informed decisions that foster inclusive and sustainable development in Mahatao,” he added.

Chief Statistical Specialist Ramil G. Abad led the presentation where local officials were provided with a preview of key indicators generated from the recently concluded 2024 CBMS data collection. The presentation highlighted vital statistics related to basic services included in the household profile questionnaire. These services include public service provision systems that meet basic human needs such as access to drinking water, sanitation, hygiene, energy, transportation, waste management, health care, education, and information and communication technologies. He emphasized the importance of the CBMS in supporting evidence-based planning and policy formulation.  “CBMS is an economic and social tool helpful for identifying vulnerable sectors in the communities and in providing information to enable a targeted approach in implementing poverty alleviation and development programs,” he stated.

The preliminary results are currently undergoing further validation and review prior to the ceremonial provincial turnover of CBMS data to the concerned LGUs. PSA Batanes remains committed to assisting LGU Mahatao in the data utilization process, including capacity-building activities and technical support for policy use.

The CBMS is a flagship program under Republic Act No. 11315, also known as the Community-Based Monitoring System Act, which mandates regular and comprehensive data collection at the local level to aid in inclusive and data-driven governance.
 

RAMIL G. ABAD
Chief Statistical Specialist
Batanes Provincial Statistical Office