The Provincial Statistical Office of Zamboanga Sibugay, represented by Chief Statistical Specialist Atty. Richard D. Tabigne, Senior Statistical Specialist and CBMS Provincial Focal Person Ma. Theresa R. Sumicad, and other PSA staff, in collaboration with the Municipality of Olutanga, convened the Municipal Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Coordinating Board.

On the morning of 18 January 2024, Municipal Planning and Development Coordination Officer Engr. Tirso J. Balbin presided over the meeting on behalf of Municipal Mayor Arthur P. Ruste, Sr. at the Municipal Gymnasium, Solar, Olutanga, Zamboanga Sibugay. CSS Richard D. Tabigne provided a brief background of the 2024 CBMS rollout, highlighting the necessity for collaboration and support from the members of the Municipal Coordinating Board.

Republic Act No. 11315 mandates the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) to collect essential data for evidence-based policymaking and program implementation at the municipal level. The CBMS will streamline the identification of beneficiaries for social protection programs, perform thorough poverty analysis, and prioritize community needs. It is important to note that the CBMS upholds individual privacy rights in strict compliance with RA 10173, the Data Privacy Act of 2012, and RA 10625, the Philippine Statistical Act of 2014. The CBMS has implemented stringent measures to ensure responsible and secure handling of all collected information.

The municipal coordinating board will oversee the CBMS implementation in Olutanga. It will facilitate the requirements and address issues that may arise before, during, and after the operations. This partnership between the municipality of Olutanga and the PSA reflects a shared commitment to fostering positive change, promoting sustainable development, and improving the quality of life for the residents of Olutanga by utilizing reliable data.

It's inspiring to see how the municipal coordinating board is taking a proactive approach to ensure the successful implementation of the CBMS in Olutanga. Their efforts to facilitate the requirements and address potential issues before, during, and after the operations demonstrate a strong commitment to the project's success. The partnership between the municipality of Olutanga and the PSA is particularly noteworthy, as it shows a shared interest in promoting sustainable development and improving the quality of life for the residents by using reliable data. I'm optimistic that this partnership will lead to positive changes in Olutanga and inspire similar initiatives in other communities.

ATTY. RICHARD D. TABIGNE
Chief Statistical Specialist
Provincial Statistics Officer