Taking cognizance of each personnel’s need to be abreast of the status relative the undertakings conducted and activities participated by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Regional Statistical Services Office (RSSO) IX, gave birth to this issue.

BENCHMARK is the brainchild of the editor who believed that this endeavor would fill the gap wanting in the aspect of information dissemination and education of personnel. Further, the latter envisions that the same will serve as the gateway of the stakeholders as well as other PSA Offices to PSA RSSO IX, Zamboanga Peninsula.

By the very name itself, the editor further envisages that this newsletter will serve as a benchmark - a standard of reference against which all other newsletters by and of other PSA offices may be paralleled.

This maiden issue however would remain an effort in impossibility without the support and encouragement of the regional director, PSA, RSSO IX, RD Pamaran, who as always remained enthusiastic with all ideas presented by the editor.  Due recognition is likewise addressed to the colleagues of the editor in the Statistical Operation and Coordination Division, particularly Vince Sambilad, Rose Manalo, and Macky Garcia, who despite having their hands full, is more than happy to squeeze in an article for this issue.

The challenge at hand now rests in everyone’s shoulder to pursue this newsletter . . . to set PSA RSSO IX’s BENCHMARK! (Mark Anthony Belderol/SOCD)