PSA Quezon highlights tourism data in National Statistics Month observance

By Nimfa L. Estrellado-Laurino PIA Quezon Information Officer Cecille C. Maloles hosts Normita D. Pagkatipunan and Jocelyn M. Mao durin...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado-Laurino

PIA Quezon Information Officer Cecille C. Maloles hosts Normita D. Pagkatipunan and Jocelyn M. Mao during the 37th National Statistics Month opening program in Lucena City on October 7. (Pacific Mall Lucena)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon - Tourism development and economic planning in Quezon Province are receiving greater statistical attention as the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) highlights on October 7 the importance of reliable data in identifying growth opportunities and improving government services. The initiative forms part of the 37th National Statistics Month (NSM) celebration, which promotes evidence-based policymaking and sustainable, resilient, and inclusive development.

The monthlong celebration formally opened to the public with a statistical exhibit featuring information from PSA and its partner government agencies. Carrying the theme “Tuklas Pilipinas,” the observance focuses on tourism statistics and their contribution to economic development while strengthening public awareness of official data.

PSA Quezon Officer-in-Charge Normita D. Pagkatipunan, a supervising statistical specialist, discussed the agency's initiatives during the October 7 episode of Kapihan sa PIA Quezon at Pacific Mall in Lucena City. The forum was hosted by Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Quezon Information Officer Cecille C. Maloles, with PSA Registration Officer II Jocelyn M. Mao also participating in the discussion.

Pagkatipunan explained that tourism-related information contributes to the Provincial Product Accounts, which measure economic activity across industries, including transportation, accommodation, and food services. She also highlighted Quezon's coastal and island destinations, where tourism-related enterprises offer livelihood opportunities and contribute to local economic activity.

Emphasizing the importance of these industries, Pagkatipunan discussed how tourism activities contribute to provincial economic performance and form part of official statistical assessments. She explained that information covering tourism-related services helps government planners evaluate economic conditions and identify sectors requiring development support.

“Napakahalaga po kasi ng role ng tourism sa pag-unlad po ng ating ekonomiya. Kasama po rito ang transportation, food service activities, accommodation, at iba pang personal service activities na may kontribusyon sa ating provincial economy,” Pagkatipunan said.

Beyond tourism, Pagkatipunan discussed the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS), which provides household-level information on poverty, education, housing, water access, and other essential services. She clarified that PSA produces statistical findings to support development planning, while concerned government agencies determine assistance priorities and beneficiary eligibility under their respective programs.

Pagkatipunan also highlighted the importance of statistical literacy, particularly among students and young people who may pursue careers involving research and data analysis. She explained that public awareness activities encourage citizens to understand how statistical information influences government decisions and the implementation of community programs.

“Binibigyan din natin dito ng awareness ang ating mga mamamayan, lalo na ang mga estudyante, sa kahalagahan ng datos. Kasi ang datos, talagang importante iyan sa ating pamahalaan sa pagbuo ng mga polisiya at mga programa,” Pagkatipunan said.

Meanwhile, Mao discussed efforts to improve access to civil registration and National ID services, particularly among geographically isolated communities and residents without registered birth records. Through mobile registration activities, PSA coordinates with local civil registrars and other government agencies to assist residents who face difficulties accessing regular registration centers.

Explaining the agency's outreach operations, Mao said registration teams visit municipalities and barangays in coordination with local civil registry offices and government partners. These activities also support the Birth Registration Assistance Project, which helps residents without registered birth records obtain the necessary documentation.

“Sa aming mobile registration sa iba't ibang municipalities at barangay, pumupunta po kami upon request ng ating mga local civil registry offices at other agencies para mas mailapit namin ang serbisyo ng PSA sa mga barangay. Kasama rin po dito ang mobile registration sa ilalim ng Birth Registration Assistance Project para matulungan ang ating mga kababayan na wala pang record o kopya ng kanilang birth certificate,” Mao said.

Mao also addressed difficulties encountered by residents seeking delayed birth registration, particularly those born at home who lack supporting documents required under regular procedures. She explained that the assistance project provides eligible applicants with simplified documentary requirements and coordination through their respective local civil registry offices.

“Marami pa rin po talaga tayong mga kababayan na hindi pa nakakapagparehistro ng kanilang birth certificate, lalo na iyong mga ipinanganak lamang sa bahay at kulang sa supporting documents. Sa ilalim ng Birth Registration Assistance Project, mas pinagaan po ang mga requirements, tulad ng barangay certification at iba pang dokumentong maaari nilang maipresenta, at kapag nairehistro na sila ay maaari rin silang mabigyan ng libreng birth certificate sa security paper,” Mao said.

As part of the celebration, PSA Quezon has scheduled statistical information campaigns, competitions, training activities, and a Provincial Product Accounts dissemination forum involving government agencies and local stakeholders. Municipal and city civil registration offices have also been encouraged to participate in the monthlong activities, including displaying National Statistics Month materials in their respective offices.