2 October 2024. ROMBLON, ROMBLON. The Philippine Statistics Authority-Romblon Provincial Statistical Office kicked off the month-long celebration of the 35th National Statistics Month with various activities- Alay Lakad and Tanim, feeding program, information dissemination, coastal clean-up drive and team building, in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 647, which declares October to be National Statistics Month each year.

The Alay Lakad started at 5:50 in the morning and was led by the PNP-Romblon Municipal Police Station. Participating agencies and LGUs included Provincial Government Offices of Romblon, Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO-Romblon), Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO-Romblon), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Romblon District Jail, Bureau of Fire Protection Romblon Fire Station, PNP Romblon Police Provincial Office, Philippine Coast Guard Romblon  Station, Substation and K-9 Romblon, and barangay local government units from Brgy. I, II, III, Bagacay, Capaclan and Lonos.

Following the more than one-hour Alay Lakad, a mangrove planting was conducted in the coastal area of Lonos together with partner agencies participating, giving appreciation to ENRO Romblon and Lonos BLGU for providing mangrove propagules used in the activity.

The opening ceremony took place at Brgy. Lonos Covered Court where Punong Barangay Eduardo L. Madeja welcomed all the participants. Then, Engr. Dandy H. Fetalvero, Supervising Statistical Specialist of PSA Romblon, expressed his gratitude to participants for their active support that made the activity successful. In addition, he highlighted the importance of using reliable data in a progressing province. Additionally, Mr. Gerald M. Morada, Senior Statistical Specialist, discussed about the 2022 Community-Based Monitoring System results. Meanwhile, Statistical Analyst Joy Florence M. Motin presented the schedule of activities for the month-long celebration that include trainings, information dissemination, and various stat-related contests. Moreover, Engr. Mariel V. Fallarcuna gave updates to the participants about the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) including the instructions on how to generate the Digital National ID and catered issues and concerns raised regarding the National ID.

Subsequently, PSA-Romblon carried out clean-up drive to remove the trash, plastic litters and garbage scattered and deposited over the coastal area of Lonos. Team Building activity followed to acquaint and establish camaraderie among employees.

This year marks the 35th NSM, with the theme “Advancing Data and Statistics Through Digital Transformation: A Road to an Empowered Nation”. The theme highlights efforts to modernize the statistical system using digital tools to enhance the accuracy, timeliness, and accessibility of statistics.

(SGD) ENGR. JOHNNY F. SOLIS     
Chief Statistical Specialist