CHIZ PUSHES REORGANIZATION OF RP'S DATA SYSTEM

The country's current statistical system needs an overhaul to serve its purpose as a data producing body of the government which can offer efficient and updated information useful in policy-making.

Thus opposition senator Chiz Escudero wants to create a national organization which shall be primarily responsible for all national surveys and act as a central databank for national accounts.

Through Senate Bill No. 2191 or the Philippine Statistics Act of 2008, Escudero seeks to create the Statistics Philippines or STATPHIL that will effect the reorganization and proper overhaul of the currently existing Philippine Statistical System (PSS).

The PSS is a decentralized, government-wide system of providing statistical information and services to the public.

The present system of PSS as defined in Executive Order No. 121 consists of the statistical organizations at all administrative levels, the personnel therein and the national statistical program.

Escudero said the presence of a statistical system alone will not suffice because what is more important is that it be effective and functional to respond to the needs of various society systems.

As statistics proves important in policy-making the world over, Escudero said the country must be equipped with every possible significant detail of current world trade and events.

"More than that of course, the country must fully know itself - its demographics, resource, capabilities, skills and potential as a state. Precise knowledge is power to a country in terms of trading, economic development, treaty-making and building respectable state relations".

SB. NO. 2191 proposes that STATPHIL be an independent body that will consolidate the nation's knowledge and facts to be intelligently used in decision-making for our development as a state and for the upliftment of the plight of every Filipino people.

"The current system is stymied by a very tall structure without really people in charge of it; it is just like a social network of individuals who share a common activity. A statistical system should be independent, competent and efficient".

In the government, the only agencies that produce statistics as their primary functions are the National Statistics Office (NSO), Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) and Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics (BLAS).

STATPHIL, as proposed shall be attached to the National Economic Development Authority for easy policy coordination and collaboration. A national statistician will be in-charge of the administration of the office.

The development of a comprehensive and integrated research and training program for the newly overhauled system will be the responsibility of the statistical research and training institute which will be simultaneously established with STATPHIL.

"The country has to arm itself with the ability to know its necessities at present and options for the future. It must be able to troubleshoot anytime and be prepared to meet the demands of the future" Escudero said.