Maasin City, Southern Leyte – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) – Regional Statistical Services Office VIII, in collaboration with the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Anahawan, Bontoc, Hinunangan, Hinundayan, Libagon, Liloan, City of Maasin, Macrohon, Malitbog, Padre Burgos, Pintuyan, Saint Bernard, San Francisco, San Juan, San Ricardo, Silago, Tomas Oppus, and Limasawa, as well as the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Southern Leyte, successfully conducted the 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Data Turnover Ceremony (DTC) held at Southern Leyte Provincial Coliseum, Barangay Asuncion, Maasin City.

The formal turn-over of the 2024 CBMS datasets to all LGUs in the province is a historic achievement for Southern Leyte. Chief Statistical Specialist (CSS)
Eutemio A. Llevado, Jr. and Supervising Statistical Specialist (SuSS)
Elissa P. Carbonilla led the ceremonial turnover with the support of
CSS Mae R. Almonte of the Statistical Operations and Coordination Division,
PSA – RSSO 8.

The well-attended ceremony was graced by Vice Governor
Rosa Hon. Emilia G. Mercado, DICT Provincial Head Ms. Marian C. Go-Soco, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) represented by LGOO (Local Government Operations Officer) II Jose Reynaldo Abad, and OIC-Provincial Planning Development Coordinator (OIC-PPDO) Ms. Binky D. Vasquez. Also present were the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Mayors, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinators (MPDC), Designated Data Protection Officers (DPO), and Municipal Statisticians of participating LGUs.

In her welcome remarks, Hon. Mercado acknowledged the CBMS data turnover as a pivotal moment for the province, affirming that the CBMS reflects the province’s continued pursuit of technological advancement and development. She further encouraged the LGUs to always uphold the fundamental right to data privacy as they begin using the data for evidence-based planning and policy-making.

SuSS Carbonilla presented the highlights of the 2024 CBMS results, which included barangay-level statistics on access to basic services, safety, health facilities, educational attainment, and employment. She emphasized that these datasets provide invaluable insight for LGUs in developing inclusive and targeted programs.

In her acceptance message, Hon. Mercado reassured PSA and the public that the data gathered would not go to waste. “We will ensure that the effort and dedication to collect and process these facts and figures will not be of waste. Daghan kaayong salamat PSA-Southern Leyte — on to our progressive and self-sufficient
Southern Leyte,” she said.

In closing, CSS Llevado, Jr. reminded all participants that CBMS is more than just a dataset—it is a vital tool for social-based planning, budgeting, and the targeting of poverty alleviation programs. He said, “CBMS is not just a number—it provides the evidence we need to identify gaps and direct our resources to those who need them the most. This ceremony is not the end of our collaboration—we will continue to strengthen our engagement with the LGUs.”

PSA Southern Leyte reiterates its commitment to supporting LGUs through continuous technical assistance and collaboration in utilizing the CBMS data to bring about sustainable, inclusive, and data-informed development in the province. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY — Tingog party-list capped off its weeklong relief efforts on Saturday by distributing 450 bags of rice to families affected by recent flooding in Payatas, Quezon City.
The final leg of the distribution was held at the San Antonio de Padua Chapel and led by Tingog Representative Jude Acidre, in partnership with Barangay Chairperson Rascal Doctor and Fr. Bong Sarabia.

Most of the recipients were Waray and Bisaya families residing in Asper and Sandakot—low-lying communities inundated by days of heavy monsoon rains. With floodwaters reaching neck-deep in some areas and limited evacuation options nearby, many residents sought shelter in the chapel and a nearby mortuary, which served as makeshift evacuation centers.

“In moments like these, what truly matters is that we show up for each other,” Acidre told churchgoers during the distribution. “Many of you are fellow Warays and Bisaya—people who have left the region but never lost your sense of community. This simple act of giving rice is our way of telling you: you are not alone, and you are not forgotten.”

He also called on the community to continue praying for public servants, “that we may always be guided by faith, integrity, and compassion in serving you.”

Tingog concluded its relief operations on July 25, reaching over 21,000 individuals in flood-affected areas across Metro Manila, Rizal, and nearby provinces.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)