25 February 2025 – COTABATO CITY. Philippine Statistics Authority-Regional Statistical Services Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PSA-RSSO BARMM) successfully conducted the Joint Second and Third Level Training on the 2025 Fisheries Surveys, held from 18 to 21 February 2025 at Sheikh Makhdum Hall, 3rd Floor RSSO BARMM, Cotabato City.
Engr. Akan G. Tula, Officer-in-charge of RSSO BARMM, together with Mr. Edward Donald F. Eloja, Chief Statistical Specialist (CSS) OF Statistical Operations and Coordination Division (SOCD), spearheaded the training. The training was also participated by the Provincial Focal Persons, Chief Statistical Specialists (CSSs), Hired Statistical Researchers, and selected RSSO Staff.

The four-day training was conducted to prepare the personnel involved in conducting the fisheries surveys in the region, ensuring a more streamlined and direct transfer of knowledge and flow of information.

Ms. Ma. Beverly A. Garachico, Statistical Specialist I, and Mr. Abraham B. Agustin, Assistant Statistician from the Fisheries Statistics Division (FSD) of PSA Central Office, supervised the conduct of the training. Ms. Sittie Hapsa D. Maganaka and Mr. Serhan M. Ummar, the Regional Focal Person and the Provincial Focal Person of Basilan, respectively, further facilitated the training and hands-on activities on the use of Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) and Data Processing System (DPS).

PSA, through the Fisheries Statistics Division (FSD) of the Economic Sector Statistics Service (ESSS), is primarily responsible for conducting periodic fisheries surveys. The fisheries sector is composed of four (4) subsectors, namely: Marine Municipal, Commercial, Inland, and Aquaculture. Meanwhile, the four (4) quarterly surveys generate the volume and value of production by species at the national, regional, and provincial levels. The data sets serve as inputs to the compilation of the performance of the Fisheries sector, as well as its contribution to the provincial, regional, and national accounts.

Furthermore, PSA BARMM ensures that all personnel involved in conducting the survey strictly adhere to the Field Operation Guidelines and health protocols. The PSA guarantees that all information acquired from the survey respondents will be handled with the utmost confidentiality pursuant to the provisions of the Philippine Statistical Act (RA10625) and the Data Privacy Act (RA 10173).

Approved for Release:
 

Engr. AKAN G TULA