Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Undersecretary Claire Dennis S. Mapa visited Region 12 on Friday, 18 October 2024 to oversee the ongoing data collection of the 2024 Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) and data processing of 2024 Census of Population - Community-Based Monitoring System (POPCEN-CBMS). His visit highlighted the importance of accurate and timely data collection and processing of data in shaping the region’s future. 

          During his stay, Usec. Mapa met with PSA officials and field personnel working on FLEMMS operation and CBMS data processing. He personally checked the data encoders at PSA Sultan Kudarat provincial office as well as joined the team of FLEMMS enumerators at Barangay Virginia Griño, Tacurong City along with PSA 12 Regional Director Maqtahar L. Manulon.  Usec. Mapa commended the efforts of enumerators in ensuring that data is collected with precision and consistency, underscoring how these statistics will directly inform           policy making and local government initiatives. FLEMMS data, which measures functional literacy and media exposure, is crucial for shaping education policies, while CBMS provides localized data that supports targeted poverty alleviation programs among others

          “Data is the backbone of effective governance. Through FLEMMS and CBMS, we are gaining insights into the socio-economic status and educational needs of our people. This data will serve as the foundation for policies that directly improve the quality of life for every Filipino,” Usec. Mapa said during his visit.

          In addition to statistical activities, Usec. Mapa also spoke in a regional meeting with civil registrars from various provinces of Region 12. He emphasized three concerns. First, the mobile CRS outlet where civil registry documents can be printed during one-stop activities outside the office; Second, the status of ongoing Birth Registration Assistance Project (BRAP) where registration of unregistered births already reached more than six hundred thousand nationwide; and third the improvement of civil registration documents particularly on delayed registration where data on potential fraudulent registration is generated by PSA triggered by the case of  a former mayor who accused of faking her birth certificate and is a subject of congressional hearings. The civil registrars' roles were highlighted as key in delivering efficient and accurate registration services to the public, with a renewed focus on reducing fraud and fake registration.

        Usec. Mapa emphasized the need for continuous collaboration between PSA and civil registrars to ensure success of the civil registration system.

          “I am confident that, through our joint efforts, we can continue to elevate the quality of public service in civil registration and data processing across the region,” Usec. Mapa added.

          Finally, Usec. Mapa graced the retirement of Ms. Herlita G. Caraan, the provincial head of PSA Sultan Kudarat.