03 October 2023, Cotabato City. The Philippine Statistics Authority in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has successfully commemorated the kick-off opening for the month-long celebration of the 34th National Statistics Month with a theme: "Accelerating Progress: Promoting Data and Statistics for Healthy Philippines” which emphasizes the importance of data and statistics in enhancing health outcomes. The annual activity was founded pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 647, declaring the Month of October of Every Year as the National Statistics Month issued on 20 September 1990 by then President Corazon C. Aquino: and by virtue of the PSA Board Resolution No. 11, series of 2021, which mandates the "Enjoining and Institutionalizing Support to the Annual Celebration of the National Statistics Month".
The first part of the activity was a motorcade campaign that jumped off from the People's Palace grounds to the PSA BARMM Office. Throughout the caravan, the NSM jingle was continuously played to promote awareness and visibility of the activity. Participating agencies are primarily members of the Regional Statistics Committee (RSCom), a special committee under the Bangsamoro Economic Development Council (BEDC); RSSO BARMM, and PSA Maguindanao Provincial Statistics Office personnel. Furthermore, to secure the safety of the participants and maintain traffic management, police assistance was provided by the Office of the City Public Safety, City Government of Cotabato and Cotabato City Philippine National Police. In addition, as part of the kick-off ceremony, opening program was conducted at the Sheik Makhdum Hall, PSA BARMM, Cotabato City.
The event was simultaneously live streamed online via the PSA BARMM Facebook page.
The said phase of activity was graced by the presence of important guests and dignitaries,
namely: Dr. Rizaldy L. Piang, Minister of the Ministry of Health, who is represented by Ms.
Daisy Jane Usman, Executive Assistant III; and Engr. Mohajirin T. Ali, Bangsamoro Director General of the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA), who is duly represented by Engr. Amil J. Abubakar, Bangsamoro Deputy Director - General.
In an opening message, Naldo G. Pendaliday, OIC Chief Statistical Specialist of the PSA Maguindanao briefly discussed various statistical activities and conveyed that statistics is an essential part of the development work through logical and measurable strategies, we are able to crunch the numbers and information to form a sense of our day-to-day realities.
Meanwhile, Engr. Akan G. Tula, OIC Regional Director of the PSA BARMM, who was attending the Data Festival held at the PSA central office, joined online via Zoom. In his message, RD Tula conveyed that Statistics are not just numbers, but the heartbeat of progress, a culture of data-driven decision-making. “Embrace the power of data, for it illuminates the path to progress". Together, we can accelerate our journey towards a thriving Bangsamoro region, as we pave the way for a healthier and brighter future for the Bangsamoro,” RD Tula further emphasized.
On the other hand, Minister Rizaldy Piang, acknowledged that in our quest for a healthier Bangsamoro, data statistics are the compass guiding us towards our destination of an improved health system. “Let’s invest in data infrastructure, foster collaboration across disciplines, and advocate for policies to prioritize data transparency and accessibility. In data, we find not only knowledge but also the promise of a brighter and healthier future for the next generation to come, Minister Piang further stressed.
The MOH manifests a commitment to continue promoting, protecting, preserving, and restoring the help of the Bangsamoro people through the provision and delivery of health services.
“We should pursue our agenda on social protection and universal healthcare to mitigate the vulnerability of economic, social, and environmental concerns and improve equitable access to quality and affordable healthcare services”, he added.
In addition, as a regional counterpart and partner agency for this year’s opening of the 34th National Statistics Month, MOH was given the opportunity to present their Health Data Statistics gathered from 2023-2023, and Health Vital Indices for 2021-2023 gathered through the Field Health Service Information System.
The final part of the opening program was a Data Exhibit displayed. Some of the displays include various surveys on Agricultural Statistics, Civil Registration and Vital Statistics, Health Surveys and Inflation Rates, among others. This showcased also some of our statistical products and services such as our Library, Data Enclave Center and the PSA website.
Throughout the month of October, stakeholders involved will be conducting a series of activities, forums, and discussions designed to promote statistical activities. These endeavors aim to raise awareness of the great importance of data-driven decision-making, showcasing the exemplary contributions of data towards our nation's sustainable growth and development.
ENGR. AKAN G TULA
OIC-Regional Director
EDFE/MSM/SGU
