The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) XII conducted the Regional Press Launch of the 2024 Census of Population & Community-Based Monitoring System (POPCEN CBMS) on 15 July 2024 at Avior Hotel, General Santos City. It was attended by the representatives of various regional line agencies, media partners and stakeholders.

             In his message, CSS Ismael B. Ramos, Jr of PSA Sarangani, said the PSA have conducted various preliminary activities such as convening and meetings of coordinating boards in the cities and municipalities, to ensure the systematic coordination of government agencies and instrumentalities involve in the conduct of census and identify commitments, supports and assistance for the smooth conduct and success of the operation. 

             PSA XII Regional Director Atty. Maqtahar L. Manulon, CESO V gave his message and presented the 2024 POPCEN CBMS Operations. His presentation includes the overview, legal basis, presidential order, objectives of the activity, scope and coverage, data to be collected, timeline and preparatory activities. He mentioned that the President of the Philippines also gave instruction to PSA in the early part of this year to undertake the POPCEN-CBMS for many reasons. He states that one of which is the updating of the list of families/individuals who may be enrolled in the social protection programs of the government. This list is critical in evaluating how much the government would spend and who should be the true beneficiaries vis-a-vis our limited resources. And with that, he is inviting everyone to participate and cooperate in the POPCEN-CBMS so that no one will be left behind and that the population count and other information of SOCCSKSARGEN Region will be accurately reflected.

             Various message of supports was played as part of the program. “Bilang Chairperson ng Regional Census CBMS Coordinating Board sa ating rehiyon, inaanyayahan ko po kayong lahat ng makilahok at suportahan ang 2024 POPCEN CBMS sa SOCCSKSARGEN sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng makakatotohanan at kumpletong impormasyon sa mga katanungan ng mga enumerators,” RD Phlorita A. Ridao of NEDA XII said. RD Desiree U. Garganian of CPD XII also mentioned, “With factual POPCEN-CBMS data, we would be able to craft better policies, design needs-based programs and projects, and forecasts more accurate demographic conditions in the region.” RD Atty. Rochelle Mahinay-Sero of DILG XII said in her message, “The Department of Interior and Local Government XII would like to encourage the different government agencies and offices, the local government units (LGUs) that may lead to the success of this statistical activity.” 

             The local government units in the provinces also gave messages of support to the 2024 POPCEN CBMS. Hon. Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza delivered her message, “The PSA through CBMS utilizes household surveys to collect information at the household and individual level it involves enumeration on not just how poor the barangay, municipality and city is, but most importantly, on who and where the poor are. I strongly encourage the LGUs to cooperate and support you in whatever means in this undertaking    in order to avoid or minimize the extension of various social payout to non-deserving beneficiaries.”

             Following the ceremonial launch of the 2024 POPCEN-CBMS, an open forum was held, moderated by Ms. Catherine T. Apelacio, Information Center Manager of PIA Gensan. The PSA expressed its gratitude to PIA for inviting media partners to participate in this initiative. The enumeration is scheduled to begin in July 2024 and conclude in September 2024.