PNA photo by PGLena
The Philippine Statistics Authority in Western Visayas called on residents to participate in the 2027 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS), saying the data would help improve the delivery of government assistance during emergencies and other crises.
PSA Western Visayas Regional Director Nelida Amolar said the CBMS was not intended solely for low-income households, stressing that broad participation would give the government a clearer picture of communities’ needs.
She said many residents declined to take part in the 2024 enumeration because they were unaware that the information gathered would be used to identify beneficiaries of social protection programs.
PSA Statistical Analyst Ricamarie Gallego said the CBMS compiles data on various poverty indicators to support evidence-based planning, targeted poverty reduction programs and sustainable development.
She said local government units use the information to guide development plans, allocate resources and implement community programs.
National government agencies also rely on the database to identify households eligible for social protection and other forms of assistance, Gallego added.
The PSA has requested funding for the 2027 CBMS to ensure its implementation across the region.
If national funding is not approved, Gallego urged local government units to allocate resources to carry out the nationwide household enumeration.