21 July 2025 – Almeria, Biliran. The Municipality of Almeria took a significant step towards data-informed governance as the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) – Biliran presented the highlights of the 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) results on 21 July 2025.

The session was led by Supervising Statistical Specialist Arthur R. Collanto and attended by the Local Chief Executive and the department heads as well as the Sangguniang Bayan members. It was a focused walkthrough of the initial findings of the 2024 CBMS. This presentation forms part of PSA’s broader effort to deliver timely and community-specific data to LGUs across Biliran province.

Designed as a tool for grassroots-level planning, the CBMS captures a wide range of indicators relevant to local development, from housing conditions and education to employment and access to basic services. With data collected and processed using a technology-enabled approach, the 2024 CBMS offers LGU Almeria with a sharper lens through which it can examine current realities on the ground.

Notably, discussions during the meeting brought to light key concerns on data alignment. Municipal Assessor Airoll Lebajan called attention to the importance of validating household-level data, especially the list of 4Ps beneficiaries before using the CBMS figures for program implementation. His remarks underscored a cautious but constructive approach to integrating new data into existing decision-making systems.

PSA staff addressed technical inquiries and engaged with feedback from LGU officials, reinforcing the collaborative nature of the validation process. Beyond presenting numbers, the session aimed to build a shared understanding of how CBMS data can complement ongoing local initiatives.

Almeria is among the initial municipalities in the province to review its preliminary CBMS results. As the PSA continues its rollout, the municipality prepares to use the final dataset as a planning resource, grounded in real, community-level conditions and aimed at more precise service delivery.

For further information, you may contact the Biliran Provincial Statistical Office at (053) 507-8122 and email address at biliran@psa.gov.ph.

Approved for release:

SGD. RENAVIL V. CUEVA
Chief Statistical Specialist