Manila: The Philippine Statistics Authority in Western Visayas (PSA-6) has initiated the turnover of the 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) results to various local government units in the region. "Our local government units very much await the data because they now will have a baseline data that will serve as a basis in planning for programs which are targeted to their constituents and specific to the needs of their people," PSA Region VI officer-in-charge Nelida Amolar said.

According to Philippines News Agency, Amolar stated that the CBMS is mandated under Republic Act 11315, or the CBMS Act. Through CBMS, data is collected from multi-dimensional indicators for poverty, focusing on those related to Sustainable Development Goals. "This will serve as a compass for our local chief executives," Amolar said.

PSA began the data turnover for Antique on September 1 and is scheduled to deliver the data to Capiz and Aklan on September 18 and 19, respectively. The turnover in Iloilo will occur in two parts: September 22 for the first and second district LGUs, and September 26 for the third to fifth districts.

"Before we turn over, we have a validation. We presented the data to the LGU for their reactions. Once validated, it is ready for data turnover," Amolar explained. Additionally, LGUs must appoint a designated data officer who shall undergo training on the Data Privacy Act. Amolar mentioned that the CBMS is updated every three years.