Top (left to right): CSS Julius M. Emperador, giving his opening remarks; Hon. Mayor Michael Abraham G. Pagauitan, expressing gratitude to PSA; Engr. Marivic M. Garcia, Senior Statistical Specialist and CBMS Provincial Focal Person, discussing the 2024 CBMS Preliminary Result; and Ms. Ma. Juvy S. Agbayani, Senior Statistical Specialist of the PSA RSSO II and CBMS Regional Focal Person, discussing the guidelines on secure data sharing between the PSA and the LGU. Bottom: Participants pose for a group photo after the data presentation.

03 July 2025 – CITY OF ILAGAN, ISABELA. Marking a significant step             toward data-driven governance, the Municipality of Santa Maria became the first local government unit (LGU) in the Province of Isabela to officially review the preliminary data from the 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS).         The data presentation was conducted on 03 July 2025 at the SB Session Hall,           Santa Maria, Isabela.

The activity was spearheaded by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) – Isabela, led by Mr. Julius M. Emperador, Chief Statistical Specialist. The session was attended by Hon. Mayor Michael Abraham G. Pagauitan, together with municipal officials, the Data Protection Officer (DPO), and representatives from various offices of the LGU including the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Engr. Marivic M. Garcia, Senior Statistical Specialist and CBMS Provincial Focal Person, presented the key highlights of the 2024 CBMS preliminary results, emphasizing their vital role in localizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The presentation showed how data can help address development indicators such as poverty, health, education, and access to basic services.

Meanwhile, Ms. Ma. Juvy S. Agbayani, Senior Statistical Specialist of the PSA Regional Statistical Services Office II (RSSO II ) and CBMS Regional Focal Person, discussed the guidelines on secure data sharing between the PSA and the LGU. She underscored the importance of responsible, confidential, and strategic use of the collected information in the formulation of policies and programs.

In his message, Mayor Pagauitan expressed his appreciation to PSA-Isabela for providing critical, community-level data. He acknowledged the CBMS as a vital tool for crafting impactful poverty alleviation programs and for making informed decisions in local governance. He further encouraged all municipal offices to use CBMS data in planning and service delivery, especially in identifying the needs of vulnerable sectors.

Following this pioneering review in Santa Maria, PSA–Isabela is set to present the 2024 CBMS preliminary data to all LGUs in the province, as part of its ongoing commitment to promoting inclusive and data-informed governance at the grassroots level.

JULIUS M. EMPERADOR

Chief Statistical Specialist 

PSA – Isabela 

MMG/MBM