The Philippine Statistics Authority Region XII conducted the 2022 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Data Turnover Ceremony on 24 February 2025 at Municipal Hall, Poblacion B, M’lang, North Cotabato. It was participated by the PSA XII Regional Director Atty. Maqtahar L. Manulon, Statistical Operation and Coordination Division (SOCD) Chief Sittimazuin M. Hofileña, PSA Cotabato Province OIC-Chief Statistical Specialists (CSS) Norhayyah A. Tula, PSA Focal Persons, DILG XII, and Local Government Unit (LGU) Officials headed by Municipal Hon. Mayor Atty. Russel M. Abonado. 

The CBMS Data Turnover Ceremony is the formal event where the PSA handover the data collected to the LGUs. Under the RA 11315 or the CBMS Act, PSA leads its implementation in partnership with the LGUs. The data will be the reference of the policymakers to create evidence-based strategies in improving the socio-economic status of the local and reduce poverty. It pertains to the status of a community with these eight domains: health, nutrition, housing, water and sanitation, basic education, income, employment, and peace and order.

The keynote speaker, PSA XII Regional Director Atty. Maqtahar L. Manulon, CESO V, stated that “Data is not just numbers, it is the voice of people, so we should listen and act to it.” The same with the CBMS Act, it is the policy of the state to free the people from poverty. The data generated from CBMS will help the LGU to determine which areas should be prioritize to address the poverty rate.

         The city/municipal have an active role in the CBMS operations, while PSA is the one in charge in the entire data operation. LGUs are encouraged to fund their own 2022 CBMS implementation with the technical assistance of PSA. All the CBMS Focal Persons from regions and provinces used the CBMS Management Information System (MIS) in assisting the monitoring and management of CBMS operation.