25 September 2024, Cotabato City – The Philippine Statistics Authority in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PSA BARMM) participated in the 1st Bangsamoro Development Policy Research Forum held at Ebrahim Hall, Em Manor Convention Center, Cotabato City. The forum was organized by the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA), in collaboration with the Regional Statistics Committee (RSC), The Asia Foundation (TAF), and the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), and funded by Support to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA). The activity highlighted BARMM’s significant contribution to the nationwide Development Policy Research Month, with the theme, "Securing a Future for All by Growing a Resilient Middle Class.”
Engr. Akan G. Tula, OIC Regional Director, reaffirmed PSA BARMM’s commitment through a message of support that emphasized the importance of data-driven policymaking. He also delivered a presentation on the 2023 Full-Year Official Poverty Statistics for the region and participated in Policy Research Conversation Round 1: "Sustaining Poverty Reduction in BARMM," where Edward Donald F. Eloja, Chief Statistical Specialist of the Statistical Operation and Coordination Division (SOCD), served as a discussant.
In general, the OIC Regional Director’s participation reaffirmed PSA BARMM's dedication to providing evidence-based insights to guide policy decisions in the Bangsamoro region. Moreover, the presentation of official poverty statistics aimed to provide essential data for developing effective strategies to build a resilient middle class and achieve sustainable poverty reduction in BARMM. Engr. Tula also reiterated the office’s commitment to supporting the region’s socioeconomic development through accurate and reliable data collection and analysis.
Additionally, a data exhibit was set up to showcase information and statistics through an informative infographic banner on Civil Registration Services and Agricultural Statistics. Leaflets on various statistical censuses and surveys were also distributed to the attendees for information dissemination. Some Regional Statistics Committee (RSC) members, including the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority, the Ministry of Interior and Local Government, the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, participated in the booth display to showcase their programs and services. Likewise, the Ministry of Trade and Investment (MTIT) and The Moropreneur Inc. displayed locally made products to promote tourism and investment in the region.
It was also announced that BARMM will hold a press conference to present the 2023 Full-Year Official Poverty Statistics in BARMM on 1 October 2024 at the South Seas Convention Center, Cotabato City.
The forum primarily aimed to promote, enhance, and instill nationwide awareness of the significance of policy research in national development planning and policymaking. It also sought to foster a strong research culture among decision-makers and the public, improve understanding of socioeconomic issues, and build support for initiatives aimed at advancing the quality of policy research in the country.
Approved for Release:
ENGR. AKAN G TULA
OIC-Regional Director
