08 July 2024 – NAVAL, BILIRAN. The Philippine Statistics Authority – Biliran handed over the symbolic flash drive containing the 2023 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) data results to the Local Government Unit (LGU) - Funded Municipality of Naval and 2022-2023 CBMS datafiles of all eight (8) municipalities to the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Biliran through a Data Turnover Ceremony of the 2023 CBMS. This ceremony marks the completion of data turnover among the eight (8) LGUs in the Province of Biliran.

This significant event was held at Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) Gymnasium and was witnessed by key PSA officials as well as provincial and local government agencies officials. Among the esteemed guests were Regional Director Wilma A. Perante of PSA Regional Statistical Services VIII (RSSO 8); Chief Statistical Specialist (CSS) Mae R. Almonte of PSA RSSO 8; Governor Gerard Roger M. Espina; Mayor Gretchen Stephanie M. Espina; Provincial Director Jesus P. Naquila of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Biliran; Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Hossana E. Gomez, EnP; Municipal Planning Development Coordinator Engr. Leonardo V. Madeja, EnP; and Provincial Information Officer Atty. Edgar Igano.

CSS Mae R. Almonte presented the highlights of the 2023 CBMS Results for the LGU – Funded Municipality of Naval presenting significant key areas aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicators such as food security, education, sex- and age-disaggregated data, access to electricity and internet, and employment rate, among others. Thematic mapping was also shown to present the demographic and geospatial statistics such as Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Senior Citizens living alone, proximity of health centers to households, and evacuation centers.

These highlights provided valuable information to the participants with helpful data that shed light on the actual and economic issues of various barangays in Naval. Additionally, the CBMS data is a tool in assisting policymakers for effective evidence-based planning and identifying specific beneficiaries who would benefit from targeted interventions from the municipality of Naval.

In his acceptance message, Governor Espina formally accepts the CBMS data and expresses his gratitude to PSA for conducting the undertaking and to the Biliranons for participating in the enumeration. He added that "Because of CBMS, we can identify kung anong mga sector ang naiiwanan, nag de-develop at hindi gumagalaw."

Mayor Gretchen Stephanie M. Espina said that, "The data that was handed over to our municipality, we won't put it into waste and at the same time, our programs will be anchored to the problems being presented earlier. I am looking forward, we are looking forward, to have strong partnership with you in PSA."

The ceremonial data turnover ceremony formally ended with a closing message delivered by CSS Renavil V. Cueva of PSA Biliran. In her closing message, she extended her gratitude towards the steadfast support provided by LGU Naval and PLGU Biliran. She hopes that the data collected will be utilized to its full potential in the municipal government and Barangay Local Government Units (BLGUs) in their planning and operations.

Swak na Datos para sa Komunidad na Mas Maayos!

Approved for release:

SGD. RENAVIL V. CUEVA

Chief Statistical Specialist