SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) — Inaccurate interpretation and misuse of data continue to undermine evidence-based planning and communication, prompting renewed efforts in the Ilocos Region to equip public servants and communicators with essential statistical skills.
Stephanie F. Christiansen, regional director of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) and chairperson of the Regional Statistics Committee (RSC),
highlighted this message during the two-day statistical literacy training for planners and media held on May 8 and 9 in San Fernando City, La Union.
The training, organized by the Philippine Statistics Authority–Regional Statistical Services Office (PSA-RSSO I), tackled ongoing challenges such as limited statistical knowledge, difficulty making data understandable to the public, and accidental miscommunication of important development indicators.
“Statistics are no longer just numbers in a report. They are the foundation of truth, the drivers of policy, and the tools for judgment,” Christiansen said.
In the past, some local government reports had errors because data was misunderstood or lacked context. Data such as inflation rates were misinterpreted, leading to confusion and making it harder to properly plan local programs.
Christiansen noted that many planners and journalists are not confident in understanding statistics, often leading to underreporting or oversimplifying, which affects public discussion and proper program execution.
“In our fast-moving, information-rich world, understanding and using statistics well can lead to more accurate, evidence-based decisions that serve communities better,” she added.
To bridge this gap, PSA-RSSO I facilitated sessions on data types, sampling design, measures of central tendency, and the interpretation of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators. Region I tracks 70 indicators across 15 goals and 46 targets, covering poverty, education, health, and disaster resilience.
“When planners and journalists are empowered with statistical literacy, the ripple effects are enormous—more credible reports, grounded policies, and an informed public,” she said.
Echoing this call, John B. Pascual, officer-in-charge of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Ilocos Regional Office, echoed the need for accurate data use.
“Let us remember that each statistic we use represents lives, communities, and realities. Every report we write or plan we craft has the potential to influence decisions that impact our people,” Pascual said.
Pascual emphasized that statistical literacy helps ensure stories are told truthfully, clearly, and completely, grounded in evidence and guided by integrity.
The training supports the broader advocacy of the RSC to promote a culture of data-driven governance, counter misinformation, and strengthen public accountability across Region I. (CCMT, AIHR/ PIA Region 1)
