Maripipi, Biliran – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) – Biliran successfully presented the preliminary results of the 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Preliminary Results, highlighting the key statistics derived from the field operations, to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Maripipi on 24 July 2025 at the Municipal Mayor’s Office Governance Hall.

The activity was spearheaded by Supervising Statistical Specialist (SuSS) Arthur R. Collanto and some PSA Biliran personnel. In attendance were Mayor Joseph C. Caingcoy, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Lou Stanley Pulvera, Municipal Local Government Operations Officer Dominique Berino, LGU department heads, and members of the Municipal Census Coordinating Board.

The initial result highlights significant indicators from the CBMS data that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) including aggregated data on access to basic electricity, water, sanitation, tenure status, employment, education, and the state of food insecurity in the municipality.

Moreover, thematic maps using geospatial statistics were presented. These maps showed data on households with Persons with Disabilities, senior citizens living alone, and the distribution of housing units built with light materials. The thematic maps provided the LGU with a visual understanding of how these indicators are spread across different areas of the municipality. This information will help the LGU design and build more accessible government service facilities and infrastructure.

Notably, LGU officials expressed that the CBMS results differed from their own data. These concerns were addressed through a thorough discussion on the concepts, indicators, and reference periods used in the CBMS, and supported with statistical tables. 

In his closing message, Mayor Caingcoy emphasized that CBMS data strengthen LGUs in prioritizing development initiatives, focusing on critical issues and areas of greatest need, such as improving health services, access to education, or providing livelihood opportunities. He stated that it is evident that Maripipi has made significant progress, as reflected in the initial CBMS results, while there are still a lot of developments to be made. Mayor Caingcoy also highlighted that the island has truly embodied its motto, "USWAG" (a Cebuano word that translates to growth or advancement), underscoring the municipality's commitment to transforming plans into actions for its development.

The collaborative effort between PSA Biliran and LGU Maripipi exemplifies a shared commitment to data-driven governance, paving the way for a more sustainable future for the island municipality, in line with the ambitious targets of the SDGs.

To conclude, SuSS Collanto expressed his heartfelt gratitude to LGU Maripipi for the consistent active support to the 2024 POPCEN-CBMS operations and other PSA activities undertaken in the municipality.

The nationwide simultaneous data presentation of the 2024 CBMS preliminary result serves as a pivotal initiative ensuring the accuracy of the collected data through immediate feedback and clarification from the concerned LGU. This is evident in the prompt way of addressing the concerns and questions with supporting tables and thorough explanation while fostering data appreciation. Moreover, this initiative aimed towards the full utilization of data in local planning and implementation process.

Approved for release:

SGD. RENAVIL V.CUEVA
Chief Statistical Specialist