Antique all systems go for 2007 PopCen
San Jose, Antique -- The National Statistics Office (NSO) has been training more than 200 census enumerators in preparation for the 2007 census of population which will start on August 1, 2007.
All systems go for 2007 PopCen, said Jesus Escote, Provincial Statistics Officer.
The enumerators are trained on how to fill up forms to be used in data gathering including maps and household identification. Interviewing respondents is an important subject of the training where enumerators are given sessions for mock interview and field practice to ensure they gather accurate data and information of the households in the barangays, said Noel Sanchez, District Staff Officer of NSO.
Census of Population is a complete count of all residents, both Filipinos including overseas workers and foreigners who have stayed or are expected to stay for at least a year in the Philippines.
NSO urged barangay officials to support enumerators in whatever way they can to ensure all households in their barangays are counted. Results of the PopCen is vital in determining government development interventions such as basis for Internal Revenue Allotment and creation of new local government units and or conversion of some existing LGUs to a higher level, said Sanchez.
To continuously address the specific data requirements of the national government agencies and local government units, especially in targeting beneficiaries of basic social services, the results of the PopCen 2007 shall provide accurate and timely statistics on population at the smallest geographic area possible.
In cases where enumerators will encounter difficulties in the actual conduct of PopCen like unfavorable weather conditions, difficult terrain in some mountain barangays, peace and order conditions, among others, NSO is banking on the support of local officials so that these factors will not delay the submission of results, the source said.
The Provincial and Municipal Census Coordination board is also supportive of this undertaking. The Provincial government, Department of Public Works and Highways and Advance Central College, a private institution have provided for transportation needs of the census team while Philippine Information Agency has played its role in advocacy and information dissemination.
(PIA)