An important factor in making people appreciate the value of statistics is for them to be involved in the process of gathering and analysis.

Mr. Wilfredo Homicilada, Executive director of PROCESS Foundation, an Iloilo-based non-government organization, told the “statistical community”, during the National Statistical Month launching, that the farmers and the fisher folk cannot appreciate  statistics unless the figures are turned into food on the table three times a day, a decent housing and education opportunity for their children.

Hence, Homicillada further said, there is the need for validation and substantiation of the data, in the local levels, where the different sectors should cooperate.

The challenge, he said, is for those in the realm of statistics that produce figures showing the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), to enable the marginal sectors of society  understand what quality statistics is in the upliftment of their situation.

As Co-Chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC) VI, Homicilla said that there are positive indications for stronger community participation in data preparation and utilization because the RDC is working closely with the LGUs and various sectors in socio-economic planning activities.

He also said that with the focus on putting together quality statistics for agriculture and fishery sectors,  development programs pursuing the 10-point agenda of the Arroyo administration will most likely hit at poverty alleviation.

Again, he added that this can be best worked on with the participation of  no less than the farmers and the fisher folk themselves, through  appropriate and responsive programs, facilitated by the LGUs, that can make statistics relevant in their lives.

Homicillada appreciated the theme of the National Statistics Month which is “Modernizing Agriculture and Fishery Through Quality Statistics.”  He said that this is a motivation for  the government to make quality statistics really work for the poor who should be highly benefited.

The opening ceremonies at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol on October 3, 2005, were led by the National Statistical Coordination Board VI, the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics of the Department of Agriculture, and the NEDA, with about 50 participating agencies and sectors.  (PIA 6)