ODIONGAN, Romblon (PIA) -- The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) – Romblon Provincial Statistical Office officially handed over the 2022 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) data to twelve municipalities in Romblon province on March 21.

Led by PSA Mimaropa Regional Director Leni Rioflorido, the turnover ceremony took place in Romblon, Romblon. The recipient municipalities include Cajidiocan, Looc, Magdiwang, Odiongan, Romblon, San Agustin, San Andres, San Fernando, San Jose, Santa Fe, Ferrol, and Santa Maria.

Earlier this year, the first batch of five local government units received the CBMS data from PSA Romblon. Now, all statistics from the 17 LGUs and 219 barangays in the Province are available at the CBMS data.

According to PSA Romblon senior statistical specialist Gerald Morada, the CBMS data encompasses various statistics, including Agricultural and Fishery Activities, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, Health, Crime Victimization, Demographic Characteristics, Food Security, Financial Inclusion, Education and Literacy, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management, among others.

Rioflorido encouraged the recipients to utilize the 2022 CBMS data for evidence-based planning and decision-making. She added that CBMS is not merely about data collection; it encompasses data processing and utilization as well. This approach ensures that decision-makers have access to relevant information, enabling them to design effective programs and projects for their constituents based on accurate data.

Government offices and NGOs can access the CBMS data through the LGU's Municipal Planning and Development Office, provided that the request complies with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173).

CBMS serves as an organized, technology-based system for collecting, processing, and validating disaggregated data, empowering communities to engage in local planning, program implementation, and impact monitoring. (PJF/PIA Mimaropa - Romblon)