The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Regional Statistical Service Office (RSSO) MIMAROPA conducted an official press launch on July 12, 2024, at the Filipiniana Hotel in Calapan City to announce the upcoming 2024 Population Census (POPCEN) integrated with the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) and the associated information dissemination activities. This event was attended by 75 participants representing various government agencies, private sector organizations, media outlets, development partners, and members of the academe.

During the press launch, it was announced that to optimize government resources, the agency made the strategic decision to advance the POPCEN from its originally scheduled date in 2025 and integrate it with the CBMS operations. Consequently, the 2024 POPCEN-CBMS has been authorized. This integrated endeavor represents a key component of the Philippines' commitment to evidence-based program implementation and community development. The simultaneous nationwide implementation of the 2024 POPCEN-CBMS necessitates an effective information dissemination strategy to attain a higher participation rate from the public.

Regional Director Leni R. Rioflorido of PSA RSSO MIMAROPA welcomed the participants and shared that the 2024 POPCEN-CBMS enumeration will commence on July 15. She highlighted the core objectives of the POPCEN and CBMS, emphasizing how the integrated 2024 POPCEN-CBMS represents a critical undertaking in the Philippines' commitment to evidence-based program implementation and community development.

On behalf of the Regional Director Agustin C. Mendoza of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) MIMAROPA, Chief Economic Development Specialist Emerson Kim J. Lineses delivered a message of support, underscoring the importance of achieving smooth operations through the cooperation and participation of all stakeholders, including government agencies, the media, and the public. He encouraged the dissemination of information through social media channels and urged the public to welcome enumerators and provide truthful and accurate information.

The City Mayor of Calapan, Hon. Marilou F. Morillo, also delivered a message of support, expressing appreciation for the PSA and other entities involved in this program. She encouraged the community and other local government units (LGUs) to actively participate in the 2024 POPCEN-CBMS to ensure the addressing of local needs and the achievement of national goals.

Regional Director Reynaldo O. Wong of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) highlighted that the data collected from the 2024 POPCEN-CBMS will also boost the implementation of the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action 2023 to 2028, focusing on optimizing demographic opportunities and addressing remaining population issues.

During the press launch, the PSA RSSO officially declared the commencement of the 2024 POPCEN-CBMS. The highlight of the event was a ceremonial launch, which included a pledge of commitment signed by members of the Regional Census-CBMS Coordinating Board (RCCS), the CBMS Council, and other stakeholders involved in the undertaking.

Honorable Governors and Congressmen of other provinces, including Gov. J. Velasco, Jr. and Cong. Lord Allan Jay Q. Velasco of Marinduque, as well as Gov. V. Dennis M. Socrates and Cong. Jose R. Riano of Palawan, expressed their support for the future success of this program through audio-visual presentations.

Director Leni R. Rioflorido discussed the role of the POPCEN-CBMS data in community development, including the objectives, the utilization of POPCEN for national programs, the Bayanihan to Arise as One bill, the Birth Registration Assistance Project, and the utilization of CBMS for local programs.

Chief Statistical Specialist Ma. Leizl L. Magbojos of PSA RSSO MIMAROPA presented the POPCEN-CBMS operations, highlighting the scope, coverage, and timeline of activities conducted and to be conducted for this program.

Senior Statistical Specialist Theodore John Delmundo of PSA RSSO MIMAROPA facilitated the open forum, which provided an opportunity for participants to ask questions and gain additional insights about the 2024 POPCEN-CBMS.

The press launch was formally closed by the Officer-in-Charge Supervising Statistical Specialist Donna Marie D. Mobe of PSO Oriental Mindoro, who thanked the speakers, guests, participants, and the members of provincial, city, and municipal coordinating boards, partner agencies, and the media, as well as those present online, for contributing to the success of the event. She also invited all participants to support the activities of the 2024 POPCEN-CBMS and help inform the public about the significance of this undertaking.

For further inquiries, please contact the Statistical Operations and Coordination Division at telephone numbers (043) 286-7491, (043) 470-0598, 0929-236-2711, or email address rssomimaropa@psa.gov.ph, cc: rssomimaropasocd@psa.gov.ph.

(SGD)LENI R. RIOFLORIDO
Regional Director    

MLLM/CNB