By Mary Therese D. Ancheta and Shaira Mae A. Baniaga
LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — Data may seem like mere numbers on paper, but for the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Ilocos Norte, every figure represents a family, a livelihood, or a community waiting to be heard.
This message resonated as PSA Ilocos Norte led the kickoff of the 36th National Statistics Month (NSM) celebration in October, carrying the theme “Accelerating the SDG Pace of Progress: Mobilizing Data for All.”
Renz Sanchez, officer-in-charge chief statistical specialist of PSA Ilocos Norte, highlighted the indispensable role of accurate and timely statistics in guiding government decisions that directly affect people’s lives.
“Our role in PSA is to provide official statistics that guide the development and implementation of government programs,” Sanchez said.
“Through accurate data, we ensure that interventions truly reach those who need them.”
Empowering communities through data
Opening ceremonies held on Oct. 7 at the Provincial Auditorium set the tone for a month-long celebration organized by the Provincial Statistics Committee (PSC), chaired by PSA Ilocos Norte.
This year’s activities aim to make statistics more relatable, especially to the youth and grassroots communities.
Students, teachers, and local employees are participating in creative and academic contests such as Stat Speaks, Stat Groove, Stat Show, Stat Master Quiz Bee, Stat Stories, and Stat Inks, all designed to build statistical literacy and appreciation.
Complementing these are five learning webinars on Data Visualization, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics using R and Python, Research, and Mental Health, conducted with partners from the Department of Information and Communications Technology, Mariano Marcos State University, and the Provincial Health Office.
A new digital initiative called “Stat Talks,” released every Tuesday on PSA Ilocos Norte’s Facebook page, brings data closer to the public by showing how statistics influence everyday life — from education and employment to health and local governance.
Understanding Ilocos Norte through numbers
During the event, Sanchez shared highlights from the 2024 Census of Population, revealing that Ilocos Norte’s population reached 618,850 as of July 1, 2024, an increase of 9,262 from 2020, or an annual growth rate of 0.36 percent.
Laoag City remains the most populous with 112,117 residents, followed by Batac City, Dingras, and San Nicolas, while Carasi, Adams, and Dumalneg have the smallest populations.
“These numbers are more than statistics — they guide planning, resource allocation, and program targeting,” Sanchez said, referring to the recent turnover of Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) data to 23 local government units.
He emphasized that population and socioeconomic data are vital in designing interventions that reflect actual community needs — whether for health centers, schools, or livelihood projects.
Making data work for development
To further strengthen the use of data in policymaking, PSA Ilocos Norte scheduled two data dissemination forums this month:
- 2024 Economic Performance of Ilocos Norte (Oct. 9)
- Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) results (Oct. 17)
These sessions aim to inform stakeholders — from local planners to civil society groups — about key development indicators and trends.
PSA also continues to implement major national surveys, including the Monthly Labor Force Survey, Rice and Corn Stock Survey, and Quarterly Municipal Fisheries Survey, while gearing up for the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS).
Ensuring everyone’s legal identity
Civil registration remains a vital part of PSA’s mission to ensure that no Filipino is left behind.
Johnson Jett Asuncion, Registration Officer II, reported progress under the Birth Registration Assistance Project (BRAP), which helps unregistered Filipinos — particularly senior citizens and indigents — obtain their birth certificates.
He also promoted the Civil Registry System Viewable Online Service, which allows clients to request and view digital copies of civil registry documents, and noted that Ilocos Norte has reached 87.23% national identification (ID) registration coverage.
“These services strengthen the right to legal identity, which is vital in accessing government benefits and social protection,” Asuncion said.
Promoting a data-driven culture
As PSA Ilocos Norte continues its programs, Sanchez reiterated the importance of public cooperation in ensuring that collected data truly represent the realities on the ground.
“If the [pieces of] data we collect aren’t accurate, the statistics won’t be either,” he emphasized.
“That’s why we ask for truthful responses. All information is protected under the Data Privacy Act of 2013.”
He urged every Ilocano to see statistics not merely as numbers, but as tools for empowerment.
“Through data, we can design programs that respond to real needs and ensure that no Ilocano is left behind,” Sanchez concluded.
Building a future informed by data
The 36th National Statistics Month in Ilocos Norte is more than a celebration — it is a reminder that informed citizens and data-driven governance go hand in hand.
When local governments, schools, and communities embrace data as a tool for understanding and action, development becomes more inclusive and sustainable.
The public is encouraged to follow PSA Ilocos Norte’s Facebook page for updates on NSM events, online quizzes, and interactive learning activities promoting statistical awareness and participation. (AMB/MTDA/SMAB, PIA Ilocos Norte)
