06 July 2023— COTABATO CITY. The Philippine Statistics Authority of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PSA-BARMM) successfully conducted the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) Regional Data Dissemination Forum on 06 July 2023 held at Surya Hall, Mall of Al-nor, Cotabato City. The said forum was spearheaded by Engr. Akan G. Tula, OIC Regional Director together with Mr. Edward Donald F. Eloja, Supervising Statistical Specialist and the OIC Chief of Statistical Operations and Coordination Division (SOCD).
It was graced by Mr. Randolph S. Valdez, Senior Statistical Specialist and Ms. Ma. Kristalyn B. Bauyon, Statistical Specialist I of the Demographic and Health Statistics Division, Social Sector Statistics Service (DHSD-SSSS) of PSA Central Office; Executive Assistant IV Ms. Phmia B. Noska from Office of Senior Minister Abunawas Maslamama, Mr. Palawan T. Mamaon, Chief of Social Planning Division, representative of Director General Engr. Mohajirin T. Ali of the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA); Dr. Quraessa Mia S. Taki, Head of Family Health Cluster representing Dr. Rizaldy L. Piang of the Ministry of Health; Commissioner Ranisa Salahudin of Tawi-Tawi Province
representing Hja. Bainon G. Karon of the Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC); and Dr. Kadil M. Sinolinding Jr., Member of Parliament of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) who joined online, served as discussants during the said forum.
Also present were the Chief Statistical Specialists (CSSs) and NDHS Provincial Focal Persons from PSA provincial, RSSO Staff, representatives from the member-agencies of the Regional Statistics Committee, the UNICEF, the WFP, various ministries and line agencies, media partners and other stakeholders. The 2022 NDHS key results and findings were presented by OIC SOCD Eloja, CSS Mahmur H. Sarail of PSA - Basilan, CSS Masil H. Mohammadsha of PSA Tawi-Tawi, and Information Officer Ms. Melanie S. Mohammad, the Regional NDHS Focal Person. The invited resource persons from the BPDA, MOH, BWC, and the BTA discussed the implications of the results/findings to the various development programs and policy directions of the BARMM Region.
NDHS, conducted every five (5) years, is a national sample survey designed to provide information on population, fertility, family planning, marriage, child health, child survival, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), reproductive health, nutrition, gender issues, and tobacco and alcohol use. Also, information on child discipline and early childhood development will be collected in this NDHS round. The conduct of the 2022 NDHS was in partnership with ICF International, USAID and POPCOM.
The survey involved interviewing respondents from randomly selected households, and within selected households, women who are 15 to 49 years old. These respondents were asked questions about their background, the children they have given birth to, their knowledge and use of family planning methods, the health of their children, their awareness of HIV/AIDS and STIs, and other information that will be helpful to policy makers and program planners in health and family planning fields.
ENGR. AKAN G. TULA
OIC-Regional Director
EDFE/MSM/SHDM
