CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–Northern Mindanao ended the celebration of the 34th National Statistics Month on a high note, with the government urging the continued use of statistics in driving progress and innovation.
The closing ceremony, hosted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)–Cagayan de Oro (CDO) Branch, was held at the VIP Hotel in this city on October 27.
In his opening remarks, BSP Area Director Olegario Magahin Jr. said the celebration provided an opportunity for the public to delve into the vital role of data and statistics in shaping the health and well-being of the country.
“We have witnessed the power of accurate and timely data in not only understanding our health landscape but also in driving progress and innovation for a healthy Philippines,” he further said.
Magahin also encouraged the public not to forget the relevance of this year’s celebration theme, “Accelerating Progress: Promoting Data and Statistics for Healthy Philippines.”
He emphasized that accelerating progress is not merely a slogan but a call to action and a reminder that, together, Filipinos can accelerate progress toward a healthier, more resilient, and prosperous Philippines.
NSM4: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Area Director Olegario Magahin Jr emphasizes during the closing ceremony of the 34th National Statistics Month held at VIP Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City, October 27, the significance of the celebration’s theme, “Accelerating Progress: Promoting Data and Statistics for Healthy Philippines.” (DCC/PIA-10)
The closing ceremony featured a presentation of the region’s inflation report for September 2023 by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-10 and a financial literacy session spearheaded by BSP Manila’s Economic and Financial Learning Office.
PSA-10 Chief Statistical Specialist Sarah Balagbis reported that the regional inflation or the rate of change of the average prices of goods and services in the region accelerated at 6.7 percent in September 2023 or 1.7 percentage points from the recorded inflation rate in August 2023.
Accordingly, the main sources of acceleration of the September 2023 inflation were Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages with an inflation rate of 13.2 percent in September 2023, from 9.1 percent in August 2023; Transport with an inflation rate of 0.0 percent in September 2023, from -1.5 percent in August 2023; and Information and Communication with an inflation rate of 1.4 percent, from 1.3 percent in August 2023.
Meanwhile, Lawyer Clarence Joseph Zosa, Bank Officer of BSP Manila’s Economic and Financial Learning Office, discussed the importance of financial literacy and shared some tips on achieving financial health and wellness.
He specifically touched on the basics of financial planning, budgeting, saving, investing, and avoiding debt traps, as well as financial frauds and scams.
The closing ceremony was highlighted by an awards program honoring the winners of various contests conducted at the regional level in support of the month-long celebration. (APB/PIA-10)
NSM3: Anna Jane Duhaylungsod, a reporter of DXCC-RMN, receives her award for winning first place in the Official Statistics Quiz for Media Practitioners conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority-10. PSA-10 Chief Statistical Specialist Sarah Balagbis and BSP Cagayan de Oro Branch Manager Divina Labitad handed the plaque and token during the closing ceremony of the 34th National Statistics Month at VIP Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City, October 27, 2023. (DCC/PIA-10)
NSM2: Representatives of TESDA-10 receive the award given to their office for winning second place in the 34th National Statistics Month Inter-Agency Statistical Exhibit. (DCC/PIA-10)
