VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) — The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in Ilocos Sur, in collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), successfully launched the 35th National Statistics Month recently at the Provincial Farmers Livelihood Development Center in this city.
The month-long celebration, themed “Advancing Data and Statistics Through Digital Transformation: A Road to an Empowered Nation,” aimed to promote the importance of accurate and accessible data in driving sustainable development.
Over 150 attendees from different government agencies, students from the University of Northern Philippines, and employees of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur (PGIS) joined the motorcade, followed by the program for the event, held on Oct. 8.
During the event, DICT-Ilocos Sur’s Information Technology Officer Paula Caluscosin and Information Systems Analyst Junjun Ibbay discussed E-Gov Training and Orientation, while PGIS-Management Information Systems head Engr. Odilon Negapatan presented the Community-Based Monitoring System Portal, and PSA’s Statistical Specialist Karen Tamayo presented the vital statistics in the province.
The ribbon cutting for the digital statistical exhibit, which provides information, education, and communication materials on statistics, was also held during the ceremony.
In his message, Governor Jeremias Singson expressed his felicitations for the successful launch of the event and acknowledged the major contributions of data and statistics in the planning and implementation of programs.
“Our One Ilocos Sur 10-Point Agenda highlights smart regeneration through technological advancement; this is our road to an empowered province,” Governor Singson said.
He added, “Let us amplify our data-driven actions to ensure that we can quantify our inclusive growth and development.”
DICT Ilocos Regional Director June Vincent Gaudan, represented by DICT Ilocos Sur head Jonathan Rabot, said, “This year’s theme highlights the essential partnership between data and technology in driving meaningful progress.”
He added, “Accurate data guides us; it shows us where to invest, where to innovate, and how to ensure that every person, no matter where they are, benefits from this advancement.”
Director Gaudan said the DICT has pioneered initiatives like the e-gov platform, which allows citizens to access government services with transparency and integrity, promoting inclusivity and empowerment across the nation.
The Provincial Statistics Committee (PSC), led by Chairperson and Provincial Planning and Development Officer, Arch. Estrelita Rugnao, said, “As we celebrate National Statistics Month, let us help build a culture where information is not only collected but also used to empower and uplift our communities.”
She thanked the attendees for their support and urged them to continue ensuring that statistics remain a pillar of progress for the province of Ilocos Sur and the entire nation.
Moreover, PSA Ilocos Sur head Jeanette Marzan outlined the month-long activities for the celebration, which include contests such as the jingle making, sing and dance contest, oratorical contest, digital poster slogan, infographics making contest, statistics quiz, and essay writing contest for tertiary and secondary students.
The committee also organized a Philippine statistics quiz, a lecture series, and a seminar that will capacitate local government units in the province. (AMB/ATV, PIA Ilocos Sur)
