Nat’l Statistics Month 2018 Focuses on Vital Tourism Data

“Exploring Philippine Numbers in Wonders: Statistics Towards Sustainable Development.”

With this theme, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), in partnership with the Department of Tourism(DOT) and member agencies of the Regional Statistical Committee launched the observance of the 2018 National Statistics Month (NSM) with infographics display and kapihan forum at New Town Plaza Hotel here on October 4.

PSA – Cordillera Regional Director Villafe Alibuyog said month of October of every year is observed as National Statistics Month by virtue of Presidential Proclamation no. 647 signed on September 20, 1990 by then President Gloria Macapagal -Arroyo.

For the NSM celebration, all government offices, public institutions and the private sector are invited to conduct activities which are geared at promoting, enhancing and instilling nationwide awareness and appreciation of the importance and value of statistics, Alibuyog said.

This year, it focuses on the relevance of statistics in achieving a sustainable progressive growth of the country’s tourism industry given its significant contribution to the economy, she added.

In 2017 alone, the tourism industry contributed 12.2 percent to the Philippine economy and provided employment to around 5.3 million Filipino people, Alibuyog shared.

DOT – CAR OIC Jovita Ganongan, on the other hand, outlined the importance of statistics in planning for tourism development and marketing of every destination. This includes data and facts on tourism arrivals and expenditures.

Ganongan also affirmed that the region’s tourism industry is on track and has a very positive direction. From 1,788,648 tourists recorded in 2016, it increased to 1,969,707 in 2017. Such data from local government units gathered from accommodation establishments in their localities are those who took at least an overnight stay and do not include the one- day visitors.

The PSA and DOT with the Regional Statistics Committee will lead the Banaue, Ifugao Restoration drive in October 16 as a major activity in this year’s celebration.

Other panelists during forum include Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas – La Union Regional Office OIC Beta Cervantes, Carmel Matabang of NEDA, Aldrin Bahit Jr of PSA – CAR, Engr. Francis Basali of the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources, Rowena Foronda of Dept. of Public Works and Highways, Baguio City Councilor Elmer Datuin and Baguio City Tourism Officer Aloysius Mapalo. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR with Charity Illag/SLU Intern)